Itabuki Palace, Imperial palace ruins in Asuka, Japan
Itabuki Palace are the remains of an imperial residence featuring stone foundations and traces of wooden plank roofing dating to the 7th century. The site reveals the layout and construction methods typical of palaces from that era.
The palace was founded in 643 and served as the residence of Empress Kogyoku during a turbulent period of political change. It held strategic importance in early imperial Japanese history.
The roofing methods here were distinctive, using premium wooden planks rather than the thatch or bark more common elsewhere at the time. These building choices reveal how imperial residences prioritized quality materials.
The archaeological site is walkable from nearby bus stops and located in a rural area of the Asuka region. Ground conditions may vary by season, so suitable footwear is recommended.
Multiple imperial residences were built in succession at this location, including separate palaces for Empress Saimei and Empress Jito. This layering reveals how valued this site remained for different rulers over generations.
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