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History: Nara Period
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Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Kansai - Nara
Heijo Palace (Nara Imperial Palace)
# 9   of 14 sights
in Nara

The reconstruction of the palace's main gate, the Suzaku Gate

During most of the Nara Period (710-794), Nara was the capital city of Japan and was known as Heijo-kyo. The Heijo Palace extended about one kilometer wide and one kilometer long and served as the site of the emperor's residence and the government offices. For its great historical and cultural importance, the palace site is included as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nara.

Although the palace once stood as the majestic center of the ancient capital, all of its buildings were eventually lost with the exception of a single hall that was moved to Toshodaiji Temple. When the capital was moved from Heijo-kyo in 784, Heijo Palace and a large part of the city was abandoned as people flocked to the new capital city. The temples on the outskirts of the former capital, however, retained their importance, and the city of Nara eventually resumed its growth around these temples, while the palace grounds were used for nothing but rice fields.

In modern times, it was decided to rediscover and celebrate Nara's past. The lack of development on the grounds of the former Heijo Palace made it particularly easy for conducting archaeological research, which has been ongoing since the 1950s. Visitors to Heijo Palace nowadays will still find a rural atmosphere, but the government has gone to considerable lengths to put on display for visitors the history of Heijo Palace.

The reconstruction of the East Palace Gardens

The attractions of Heijo Palace can be divided into two groups: the museums and the reconstructions. At the north east corner of the palace grounds is the Excavation Site Exhibition Hall, where exposed excavation sites are left open to be viewed by the public. At the western end of the grounds is the Nara Palace Site Museum, which is a moderately sized conventional museum. Artefacts, models, photographs and maps are put on display.

Across the palace grounds are the foundations of various bulidings with small plaques explaining what purpose the buildings served. There are also three full scale reconstructions that are quite impressive. The Suzakumon Gate was the main gate of the palace, and is located at the palace's southern end. The East Palace Garden has a pond, streams and bridges, and was used by the imperial family for banquets. The reconstructions of both the gate and the garden were completed in 1998.

Last is the Imperial Audience Hall, which was used for important state ceremonies and is still undergoing reconstruction. It will be open in April 2010 in time for the celebration of the 1300th anniversary of the foundation of Heijo-kyo. Heijo Palace itself will serve as the main venue for events during the anniversary year. There will be performances and parades in the style of the Nara Period, and displays such as a life-size replica of the ships used to travel to Tang Dynasty China.

The reconstruction of the Imperial Audience Hall is still underway

How to get there
Heijo Palace is located a 15 minute walk east from Yamato-Saidaiji Station, which can be easily reached from Kintetsu Nara Station by Kintetsu trains (5 minutes, 200 yen, frequent departures).

Alternatively, the palace grounds can be reached by buses bound for Yamato-Saidaiji Station from both JR Nara Station (about 20 minutes, about 250 yen, every 30 minutes) and Kintetsu Nara Station (about 15 minutes, about 250 yen, every 30 minutes). The Excavation Site Exhibition Hall is located near Heijokyuseki bus stop, the Imperial Audience Hall is located near Sakicho bus stop, and the Nara Palace Site Museum is located near Nijocho bus stop.

How to get to and around Nara

Hours and Fees
The museums and reconstructions of Heijo Palace
Hours:9:00 to 16:30 (entry until 16:00)
Closed:Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday) and New Year holidays
Admission:Free
English:Moderate

News and Reports
Nara Autumn Color Report
November 23, 2009
Nara Cherry Blossom Report
April 3, 2009

Travel Community
Popularity of Heijo Palace:
Users who have been to Nara: 1373
Users who have been to Heijo Palace: 40

9th of 14 most visited sights in Nara.
342nd of 589 most visited sights nationwide.

Have you been to Heijo Palace?

Ratings for Heijo Palace:
japan-guide.com Rating:
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User Rating (by 19 users):
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Tours and Packages
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English Links
Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties
English website of the organiztion in charge of the preservation and management of Heijo Palace.
1300th Anniversary of Nara Heijo-kyo Capital
Official website of the Association for Commemorative Events.

Japanese Links
Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties
Official website of the organiztion in charge of the preservation and management of Heijo Palace.
1300th Anniversary of Nara Heijo-kyo Capital
Official website of the Association for Commemorative Events.

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