Heijo Palace (平城京), an ancient palace complex located in Nara, Japan, was constructed in the 8th century during the Nara period and served as the capital of Japan at the time. It was the center of political and cultural life in Japan for over 70 years until the capital was moved to Kyoto in 794.
The palace complex is divided into several main areas, including the Suzaku Gate, the Daigokuden (the main hall), and the Eastern Palace Garden. The Suzaku Gate, the main entrance to the palace, is characterized by its large, red wooden pillars. The Daigokuden, where the emperor’s enthronement ceremonies and other important rituals were held, is one of the largest buildings in the palace complex and has been reconstructed in recent years. The Eastern Palace Garden was a private garden for the emperor and his court.
Today, visitors can explore the ruins of Heijo Palace and view the remaining structures, including the reconstructed Suzaku Gate and the first Daigokuden. The palace complex also houses the Heijo Palace Site Museum, where visitors can learn about the history and culture of the Nara period through exhibits of artifacts and materials excavated from the site. Heijo Palace is a popular destination for tourists interested in Japanese history and architecture, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.” It is located in close proximity to other important cultural sites in Nara, including Todaiji Temple and Nara Park.
Getting there
From Kyoto Station to Heijo Palace:
| Train | Kyoto Station ↓ Kintetsu Limited Express ↓ 28 minutes (2 stops) Yamato-Saidaiji Station ↓ Walk about 13 minutes ↓ Heijo Palace (Cost 1,200 yen) |
Details
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Admission | Free |
| Phone | +81 742-36-8780 |
| Address | 3-5-1, Nijoojiminami, Nara, 630-8012 |
| Official Website | https://www.heijo-park.jp/ |
