Heijō Palace

Heijō Palace in Nara is the former imperial center of Japan’s 8th-century capital, Heijō-kyō. Now an expansive archaeological park, it features reconstructed buildings such as the Suzaku Gate and First Audience Hall, along with museum exhibits that explain court life and city planning in the Nara period. More spacious and less crowded than Nara’s famous temple sites, it appeals to visitors interested in early Japanese history, architecture, and archaeology. It is especially rewarding if you enjoy imagining the scale of the ancient capital.