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Nara Palace Site Historical Park at the Special Historic Site Heijokyu-seki
The remains of the capital were built about 1,300 years ago. It is one of Japan's representative historical and cultural heritages, registered as a World Heritage Site, and is currently being developed into a national park using the historic site.
It was a place that flourished as the capital of Japan when the imperial palace was moved to Heijo-Kyo in 710. It is said that more than 100,000 people lived in the large-scale capital of about 2,500 ha, which was modeled on Changan, the capital of Tang. The 'Heijo-kyu Palace' was the core facility of Heijo-Kyo, and politics and events were conducted as the Emperor's residence.
Today, the restored Suzaku-mon Gate, Daiichiji Daigokuden, the South Gate of Daiichiji Daigokuden-in (currently under restoration.), Dainiji Daigokuden, Dainiji Daigokuden
To-in Teien Garden is maintained and preserved as the Heijo Palace Site Historical Park.
Suzaku-mon is the main gate of the former Heijo-kyu palace. The 20-meter high, two-story building with a beautiful vermilion gabled roof was where the Emperor would go to celebrate the New Year and hold ceremonies to transport foreign envoys. In 2018, Suzaku-mon Hiroba Square was opened around Suzaku-Oji, the main street. There are restaurants, cafes, observation, and rest spaces, as well as "The Heijokyu Izanai-kan (Guidance Center)”, a museum that takes visitors back in time about 1,300 years ago.
Daiichiji Daigokuden, the symbol of the historic site, was used for the most important ceremonies, such as the Emperor's accession ceremony and meetings with foreign envoys. On the east side, there is the "Ikotenji-kan (Excavation Site Exhibition Hall)" where the excavated remains are displayed, and visitors can admire the precious remains preserved as they were when they were first discovered.
If you want to learn more about the history of the Heijo-kyu Palace, visit the Nara Palace Site Museum on the west side. You can learn about the history of the Heijo-kyu Palace from its demise to the excavation, along with displays of artifacts and a corner that recreates the lifestyle of the Emperor and nobles of the time.
Highlights
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A historic site of the Heijo-kyu Palace, the capital, was built about 1,300 years ago.
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It is one of the components of the World Heritage Site "Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara.
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The Suzaku-mon Hiroba Square is a sightseeing base area where you can experience the lifestyle of the people of the time.
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The restored First Daigoku-den Hall is a symbol of the historic site.
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You can learn about the history of the Heijo Palace Site at Ikotenji-kan (Excavation Site Exhibition Hall), the Nara Palace Site Museum, and the Heijokyu Izanai-kan (Guidance Center).
