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Asuka-Nara Capitals

Type Object Region Japan Time c. 600–700

The Asuka-Nara capitals refer to the capital system of 7th-century Japan centered on Asuka-kyō and transitioning to Fujiwara-kyō;…

Timeline

  1. c. 600–672Asuka-kyō · Nara PrefectureFrom the reign of Empress Suiko to that of Emperor Tenmu, court palaces, clan residences, and temples gathered in the Asuka Basin, forming the most important political and cultural center of ancient Japan, where reforms such as the Taika Reform were deliberated and implemented.
  2. 672–694Ōtsu-kyō in Ōmi · Shiga PrefectureEmperor Tenji moved the capital to Ōtsu in Ōmi, modeling the palace city and jōbō grid on Tang Chang'an; it served as a testing ground for capital construction under the ritsuryō state, providing planning experience for the later Fujiwara-kyō and Heijō-kyō.
  3. 694–700Fujiwara-kyō · Nara PrefectureEmperor Monmu moved the capital to Fujiwara-kyō, building the palace, government offices, and wards and markets according to the jōbō grid system; it was the first capital in Japanese history systematically planned on the ideals of the ritsuryō state, marking a new stage in capital construction.

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