🗺️ Heijō Palace Site Historical Park平城宮跡歴史公園

The Heijō Palace Site Historical Park is a national park developed from the World Heritage Site "Heijō Palace Ruins." This area was once the thriving capital of Japan after the capital was moved to Heijō-kyō in 710 AD. Heijō-kyō was built in imitation of the Tang Dynasty capital "Chang'an," covering an area of approximately 2,500 hectares. It is said that at that time, around 100,000 people lived in this grand metropolis. The "Heijō Palace" was the central facility of Heijō-kyō, serving as the emperor's residence, the government office, and a venue for various ceremonial activities. Today, the Heijō Palace has undergone extensive restoration, and the restored structures such as the Suzaku Gate, the First Daigokuden, the South Gate of the First Daigokuden (under restoration), the Second Daigokuden, and the East Garden have been organized into the "Heijō Palace Site Historical Park." There are many must-see attractions within the Heijō Palace Historical Park. The "Suzaku Gate" was originally the main entrance to the Heijō Palace. This beautiful vermillion two-story building, standing about 20 meters high, was used for the emperor's New Year celebrations and for ceremonies welcoming foreign envoys. In 2018, the "Suzaku Gate Plaza," located in the center of the main road Suzaku-dō, was officially opened, featuring restaurants, observation decks, and relaxation spaces. It also houses the historical museum "Heijō Palace Consultation Hall," which creates an atmosphere reminiscent of 1,300 years ago, making it a popular tourist spot. Another exciting highlight is the "First Daigokuden." As a historic landmark of the Heijō Palace, it was used for important ceremonies such as the emperor's enthronement and meetings with foreign envoys. On the east side, there is the "Ruins Exhibition Hall," which displays excavated remains, allowing visitors to appreciate the precious appearance preserved from that time. Additionally, for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the history of the Heijō Palace Site, it is recommended to visit the "Heijō Palace Site Museum" on the west side. Here, visitors can learn about the history of the Heijō Palace from its abandonment to excavation through artifact displays, as well as view areas that recreate the lifestyles of the emperor and nobles of that era, making it a worthwhile visit.

The historical site of "Heijō Palace," built about 1300 years ago. It is one of the components of the World Heritage site "Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara." The "Suzaku Gate Plaza" is a tourist spot where visitors can truly experience the lives of the people at that time. The restored "First Daigokuden" serves as a landmark of the historical site. At the "Ruins Exhibition Hall," "Heijō Palace Site Museum," and "Heijō Consultation Center," one can learn about the history of Heijō Palace.