Heijo Palace Site

平城宮跡 第一次大極殿

An 8th-century palace field with a vermilion throne hall

⚠ Daigokuden closed Mon

Hours

Park always open; Daigokuden and Suzakumon 9am–4:30pm (closed Mon); Izanaikan 9am–5pm (closed 2nd Mon of Feb, Apr, Jul, Nov)

Tickets

Free

Address

Saki-cho, Nara (Heijo Palace Site Historical Park)

This was the palace of Heijo-kyo, Japan's capital for some 70 years from 710, and today it's an open field that seems to go on forever. In the middle stands the First Imperial Audience Hall, rebuilt in 2010, alone with its vermilion pillars and gold fittings. Inside is a replica of the Takamikura throne, with the Four Guardian beasts painted around it. Walk south to the Suzakumon gate and you'll see Kintetsu trains cutting straight across the palace grounds, a sight you only get here.