Nara Palace Site Historical Park
The ruins of Heijo Palace, the heart of the Heijo-kyo capital.
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The vast field stretching from Kintetsu Saidaiji Station to Shin-Omiya Station is the Heijo Palace Site (World Heritage). Located at the northernmost end of the vast capital of Heijokyo, with a total area of about 120 hectares, it was home to the Imperial Palace and government district. At the time, the government consisted of eight ministries and 100 agencies. The area is said to have been surrounded by earthworks and moats and had 12 gates, three in each direction.
The Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties has conducted excavation surveys since 1959. Buildings and ruins such as the Daigokuden and Chodoin, where official ceremonies were held, the Toin Garden, where aristocrats held banquets and ceremonies, the Dairi, where the emperor lived, and the main gate, Suzakumon, have been restored. The entire area has been open to the public since 1998. At Heijokyo Izanaikan Museum, you will discover how the capital was built and how people lived there.
Related articles
- Nara's World Heritage Sites
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/world-heritage
- Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narashi
- Information on Nara's cherry blossom season in 2025
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/cherryblossoms
Related itineraries
- Itinerary for 2 days and 1 night from Hōryūji to Nara Park to feel the history of Asuka and Nara Periods.
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_11.html
- Drive from Osaka! Itinerary for 2 days and 1 night to visit the ume (plum) grove in Tsukigase, Nara
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_14.html
- Itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights to visit Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and Nara/Kyoto
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_17.html
General Information
- Address
- Saki-cho, Nara City, Nara
- contact details
- 0742-36-8780（Nara Palace Site Historical Park）
- Times
- Opening hours and closing days differ by facility.
For detailed information, please visit the Heijo Palace Site Historical Park official website. - Closed
- Closed days differ by facility.
- Access
- By Bus
Nara Kotsu Bus Route #160/161 heading to Gakuen-mae Station from Kintetsu Nara Station via the West Exit of JR Nara Station.
To Suzakumon-hiroba-mae bus stop:
- 16 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station
-22 minutes from JR Nara Station
By Walking
20-minute walk from the South Exit of Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station to Suzaku-mon Gate.A
20-minute walk from the South Exit of Kintetsu Shin-Omiya Station to Suzaku-mon Gate. - Car Park
- Available (both free and paid options)
*Limited parking spots. Please use public transportation if possible. - Admission/Worship Fees (Individual)
- Free
- Admission/Worship Fees (Group)
- Free
- Website
- Remarks
【Highlights】 The First Daigokuden Compound is currently reconstructing ancient architecture from the Nara period. The main entrance of the First Daigokuden Compound, known as the "Daigoku Gate (Southern Gate)," was newly completed in March 2022. At the "Reconstruction Project Information Center," visitors can learn about the architectural techniques of Nara period artisans through theater screenings and exhibition models.
