Heijo Palace | Travel Japan - Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

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Saki-cho, Nara-shi, Nara-ken

Travel back in time to the days when Nara was the most important place in Japan

Although Nara remains an integral part of Japan, many visitors are surprised to learn that it used to be the capital. Visiting the remains of Heijo Palace in Nara offers you a chance to imagine what the area used to be like when it was once the beating heart of Japan.

Don't Miss

The Suzaki gate and the East Palace garden, extremely accurate recreations.
The East Palace gardens, beautiful ponds, buildings, and bridges.
Representations of all the animals of the Chinese zodiac inside the Daigokuden.

How to Get There

Heijo Palace is accessible by walking 15 minutes from the Yamato-Saidaiji Station. Yamato-Saidaiji is just a 4-minute ride from the Kintetsu Nara Station.

Alternatively, a bus bound for the Yamato-Saidaiji Station from either the JR Nara Station or the Kintetsu Nara Station can also be used.

Reconstructed Nara

Excavations are still underway at the site. Many of the original attractions of the area are brought to life by reconstructions of the original buildings.

The most substantial reconstruction is the Daigokuden, also known as the Former Audience Hall. This building was rebuilt as part of the 1300th anniversary of Nara. The gateway and East Palace gardens are also reconstructions that are well-worth seeing.

Relics from the past

Head for the Excavation Site Exhibition Hall to see the remains of the original buildings. Here, you can see the excavation in progress as various items are unearthed.

In addition to the excavation site, other original items are viewable at the Nara Palace Site Museum. The artifacts and objects on display here will help give you a sense of what it was like living in the former heart of Japan.