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
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