Castle & Palace · Saidaiji (Nara)
Heijo Palace Site 平城宮
Vast site of the 8th-century imperial palace of the Nara capital, with reconstructed Suzakumon Gate and Daigokuden Hall; World Heritage site.
HoursFacilities 9:00-16:30 (last entry 16:00); grounds open
ClosedMondays (next day if holiday); Dec 29-Jan 3 (facilities)
PriceFree
Getting thereKintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station, 10-20 min walk
Time needed1-2 hours
Best timeSpring and autumn; sunset over the field
AddressSakicho, Nara, Nara
Websiteheijo-park.jp/en
About
Heijo Palace was the seat of government when Nara was Japan's capital (710-784). The open field, about 1 km square, now holds full-size reconstructions of the Suzakumon Gate, the Former Imperial Audience Hall and the East Palace Garden, plus free museums. The Heijo-kyo Historical Park visitor centre explains excavations and life in the ancient capital.
Highlights
- Reconstructed Former Imperial Audience Hall (Daigokuden)
- Suzakumon Gate
- East Palace Garden
- Free museums and the Heijokyu Izanai-kan visitor centre
Tips
- Very exposed; bring a hat in summer
- Most facilities are free but close on Mondays
- Rent a bicycle or use the loop bus; distances are large
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-11
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