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About this spot
The Nara Prefectural Manyo Culture Museum, set amid the historic scenery of Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture, is a museum where you can experience the charm of the Manyoshu, Japan's oldest anthology of poetry. It is built on top of the "Asukaike Workshop Ruins," a historical relic of the Asuka period, making the location irresistible to history fans. The highlight inside is the general exhibition room, where the world of the Manyo is recreated with the latest digital video and realistic figures. You can learn dramatically about the lives of the people of the time and the backgrounds against which the poems were composed, so even those not well versed in history can enjoy it. The collection of "Manyo Nihonga," painted by masters of Japanese-style painting on the theme of Manyo poems, is also stunningly beautiful, letting you immerse yourself in art in a calm space. Outdoors there is a garden planted with plants associated with the Manyo, where you can stroll enjoying the nature of each season. There are also a cafe popular for menus using local ingredients and a shop with original goods available only here. Whether you feel the breath of history with family and friends on a weekend, or quietly ponder the background of creation alone, it is a classic Asuka Village sightseeing spot enjoyed by a wide range of generations.
Last updated March 26, 2026