Suzakumon

※Unauthorized reproduction of images on this page is prohibited

Suzakumon, the main gate of Heijo Palace, served as a majestic entry point. From here, the 75-meter wide Suzaku Avenue extended straight ahead to Rajomon, the entrance to Heijo Palace. Flanking the Suzakumon gate, a 6-meter-high Tsukiji wall, made of hardened earth, enclosed the palace, which spanned about 1 square kilometer.


In the past, grand ceremonies were held in front of the gate on New Year's Day and for the arrival and departure of diplomatic envoys. Additionally, it was the site of Utagaki, where men and women of the capital would gather to sing love songs to one another. The current Suzakumon was meticulously restored in 1998, featuring a 25-meter frontage and standing 20 meters tall, with an elegant double-layered gabled roof.

Related itineraries

Travel around the Nara Palace Site, the Stage of Historical Romances
Travel around the Nara Palace Site, the Stage of Historical Romances
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_31.html

General Information

Address
Nijo Oji Minami, Nara City, Nara
contact details
0742-32-5106(Agency for Cultural Affairs, Heijo Palace Site Office)
Times
9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
Closed
Monday (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday)
Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3)
Access
From the south exit of Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station, it's about a 20-minute walk via Tamatemon Gate. Alternatively, from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, take the Gurutto Bus and get off at "Suzakumon Hiroba-mae" or "Suzakumon Hiroba."
Car Park
Available (free of charge)
*Limited availability. We recommend using public transportation when going out.
Admission/Worship Fees (Individual)
Free
Admission/Worship Fees (Group)
Free
Website

Nara Palace Site Historical Park Official Website

Recommended

Recommended articles

Why are there deer in Nara Park? Learn how to interact with them, tourist etiquette, and historical background.
Why are there deer in Nara Park? Learn how to interact with them, tourist etiquette, and historical background.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/deer
All About the Great Buddha
All About the Great Buddha
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/daibutsu
Nara's World Heritage Sites
Nara's World Heritage Sites
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/world-heritage
Find out all about the attractions of Nara Park, from recommended ways to go around it, to the gourmet highlights and accommodations nearby.
Find out all about the attractions of Nara Park, from recommended ways to go around it, to the gourmet highlights and accommodations nearby.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narapark
A selection of 21 recommended gourmet foods in Nara. Featuring a range from classics to local specialties and famous products, popular sweets!
A selection of 21 recommended gourmet foods in Nara. Featuring a range from classics to local specialties and famous products, popular sweets!
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/gourmet
Information on Nara's cherry blossom season in 2025
Information on Nara's cherry blossom season in 2025
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/cherryblossoms
All about the highlights of Naramachi, which has retained traces from Edo, Meiji, and post-war periods.
All about the highlights of Naramachi, which has retained traces from Edo, Meiji, and post-war periods.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/naramachi
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.
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
The Four Seasons in Nara
The Four Seasons in Nara
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/seasons
Tradition Craftsmanship Handed Down to Artisans
Tradition Craftsmanship Handed Down to Artisans
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/skill

Nearby Sightseeing Spots

You Might Also Like

Ukimido Gazebo
Ukimido Gazebo
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10105.html
Toshodaiji Temple
Toshodaiji Temple
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10008.html
Yakushiji Temple
Yakushiji Temple
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10007.html
Tobihino
Tobihino
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10125.html
A selection of 21 recommended gourmet foods in Nara. Featuring a range from classics to local specialties and famous products, popular sweets!
A selection of 21 recommended gourmet foods in Nara. Featuring a range from classics to local specialties and famous products, popular sweets!
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/gourmet
Travel around the Nara Palace Site, the Stage of Historical Romances
Travel around the Nara Palace Site, the Stage of Historical Romances
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_31.html
Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples1: Tour by train, bus or cab
Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples1: Tour by train, bus or cab
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_22.html
Sarusawa Pond
Sarusawa Pond
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10110.html
Shoso-in
Shoso-in
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10099.html
Nara Park
Nara Park
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10089.html
to top