Journey back to imperial Japan during the 8th century on a visit to the Heijo Palace. Relics of buildings, restored halls and museum exhibits give impressions of life when Heijo-kyo, now known as Nara, was Japan’s capital city. Heijo Palace stands within the Nara Palace Site Historical Park. It forms part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.
Begin your tour at Suzaku-mon Hiroba Square, where the people of Nara met to participate in festivals and celebrations. Exhibits inside the square’s Guidance Center present an overview of the palace as it was 1,300 years ago and remains today. Gaze over the entire site from an observation deck and then enter the grounds via the reconstructed Suzaku-mon Gate. Government officials once met visitors at the gate and emperors came to celebrate the New Year.
Pathways lead to the compound of the imperial audience hall and re-creations of important palace buildings. See the administrative halls of Nara officials and the pagoda-style Nanmon gateway.
Dominating the compound is Daiichiji Daigokuden, the large palace hall and location for pompous state ceremonies during the Nara Period. While visiting the information center, view displays about the planning and execution of reconstruction works.
Toward the eastern section of the park find the Dairi imperial residence plus remnants of the palace’s walls and gateways. See the East Palace Garden, which was used for aristocratic banquets. Stand next to the shallow pond ornamented with a shoreline with many curves. Admire the pink blossoms of the park’s cherry trees and fall foliage. Spot azaleas in varied shades of pink.
For a deeper insight into the palace’s history and architecture, visit the Nara Palace Site Museum. It has exhibits dedicated to the major buildings and examples of Nara period coins, ceramics and wooden tablets with ancient writing.
Walk to the palace within 20 minutes from the Shin-Ōmiya or Yamato-Saidaiji train station. Free parking is available in three lots.
Heijo Palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free. Look for QR codes to download a free walking tour and audio guide for smartphones. Volunteer guides also provide on-site assistance.
