Kawahara-dera

Kawara-dera was a Buddhist temple established during the Asuka period in the village of Asuka, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Archaeological excavations have revealed a large-scale complex which included two Kondō, a pagoda, extensive priests' quarters, and roof tiles that are "among the most beautiful ever made in Japan". The site of the precincts has been protected as a designated a National Historic Site since 1921 and forms part of a grouping of sites submitted in 2007 for future inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Asuka-Fujiwara: Archaeological sites of Japan’s Ancient Capitals and Related Properties. Related artefacts are displayed at the Asuka Historical Museum.