 Most viewed - Nara Heijo-kyo Capital and Heijo Palace 平城遷都1300年祭・平城宮跡 |
Takamikura Throne where the emperor sat when there was an audience.628 views
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I first heard about Nara's 1300th anniversary a few years ago through this mascot named Sento-kun. A boy priest with deer antlers was so absurd that he has become very popular and recognizable.602 views
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Ad for Heijo-kyo 1300th anniversary in a train.349 views
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Sento-kun at JR Nara Station.279 views
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Inside JR Nara Station. Ceiling looks like a temple.237 views
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The Heijo Palace guard (Ejitai) holds the Gate-closing ceremony at the end of the day at Suzaku Gate.197 views
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On the day I went (May 9) during Golden Week, they held the Tempyo Gyoretsu Procession featuring 1,300 people in Tempyo (Tenpyo) Period (729-749) costumes.186 views
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Aoniyoshi Parade at Heijo-kyo, Nara163 views
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There were many of them in Tempyo Procession, Nara Heijo-kyo.161 views
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The Daigokuden Hall (Former Imperial Audience Hall) is a magnificent reconstruction. This was where the emperor performed his duties during the Nara Period. 大極殿159 views
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Mountain ascetic priests.157 views
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Tempyo Procession, Nara Heijo-kyo156 views
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These pictures were taken in early May so the flower motif might change in later seasons.155 views
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The Heijo Palace guard (Ejitai) holds the Gate-closing ceremony at the end of the day at Suzaku Gate at 5:10 pm. 衛士隊154 views
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Former Imperial Audience Hall.141 views
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Pretty little princess134 views
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My YouTube video of the Aoniyoshi Parade.113 views
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My YouTube video of Sento-kun.100 views
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JR Nara Station89 views
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My YouTube video of the Tempyo Procession (Part 1).89 views
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My YouTube video of the Tempyo Procession (Part 2).85 views
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The Palace guard completes its job and I caught the last shuttle bus back to Nara Station at 6 pm.83 views
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I took this Kintetsu Line train at Kyoto Station. You should also bring your passport which will enable you to enter a few Heijo-kyo attractions for free.78 views
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It was 1,300 years ago in 710 when Japan's capital was moved to this place in Nara. Hence, the 1300th anniversary celebration in 2010.77 views
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At the Mahoroba Stage, the Sento-kun show was held to a full house. (Standing room only.)76 views
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But now, anyone can enter this reconstruction for free. There was a long line, but it proceeded quickly and it took only 10-min. or so to get in.74 views
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Inside the Former Imperial Audience Hall. In the center was the Emperor's Takamikura Throne.74 views
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On the balcony of the Former Imperial Audience Hall before entering the building through a side entrance.73 views
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A few of the guards were female.72 views
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About the Former Imperial Audience Hall in English.71 views
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Phoenix atop the Takamikura Throne.71 views
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Takamikura Throne70 views
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Balcony railing.70 views
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The Aoniyoshi Parade reflects the Tempyo Period when Japan held exchanges with foreign cultures and when Buddhism was introduced to Japan.70 views
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Azalea and Suzaku Gate.70 views
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I arrived at Yamato Saidaiji Station which is within walking distance to the Heijo-kyo site. You can also go to JR Nara Station and ride a free shuttle bus to the Heijo Palace site.69 views
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This is the heart of the Heijo Palace site. The focal point is the Daigokuden Hall (Former Imperial Audience Hall) in the distance. 大極殿・前庭69 views
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On the railing are decorative jewel balls in different colors. 69 views
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They had a large stage out front on the day I visited and these ribbons attached to the building.69 views
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Panel displays explaining about the Former Imperial Audience Hall.68 views
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This thing is so nice that they should get a real emperor's coronation or enthronement here someday.68 views
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About the Takamikura Throne in English.68 views
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Exit of Daigokuden Hall.68 views
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And here's Sento-kun, the official mascot of the 1300th anniversary of the Heijo-kyo Capital. When he was first introduced a few years ago, some people lambasted the design as insulting to priests.68 views
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Sento-kun also danced to his silly-sounding theme song. Also see my video at YouTube.68 views
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Daigokuden Former Imperial Audience Hall, Heijo-kyo, Nara67 views
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衛士隊の再現（南門広場）67 views
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The Heijo-kyo History Museum includes a full-scale replica of the ship used to transport Japanese envoys to and from Tang China during the Nara Period. 平城京歴史館／遣唐使船復原展示67 views
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If there's something you have to see here, it's this building.66 views
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Deer antlers on the head of a boy priest was funny. But he has proven to be a major hit among the masses and critics are silent now. The deer antlers come from the famous deer of Nara Park where they wander around with tourists.66 views
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Flowers in spring.66 views
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I went during Golden Week when they had flowers and various events and entertainment. I recommend visiting here on a weekend or holiday period. That's when they have more events and entertainment. The crowds are not unbearable.65 views
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This was the center of the capital and symbol of state authority. Only high-ranked aristocrats were allowed to enter the Daikokuden Hall.65 views
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On the railing are decorative jewel balls in different colors. 65 views
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Pillar post holes which were excavated here. 遺構展示館65 views
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Koreans65 views
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About the Former Imperial Audience Hall in English.64 views
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It looks like a portable shrine.64 views
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Life-size model of the Shibi ornament atop the roof's ridge.64 views
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Aoni-yoshi Parade is a great photo op.64 views
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Model of the Imperial Domicile.64 views
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Overlapping pillar holes. The hole was reused.64 views
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Path toward the central area. The Daigokuden Imperial Audience Hall is in the distance on the left. This Heijo-kyo area is a National Special Historic Site.63 views
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We could also go outside on the balcony and see a good view.63 views
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Behind the Takamikura Throne.63 views
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Roof tile used in the reconstruction.63 views
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Metal fittings on a door.63 views
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At 1 pm in front of the South Gate, the Heijo Palace guards (Ejitai) reenact a guard routine. They appear three times a day. 衛士隊63 views
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This is in front of the South Gate.63 views
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Display of a model of the emperor's residence (Imperial Domicile).63 views
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The Daigokuden Hall's front gate, called Suzaku Gate, can be seen.62 views
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Metal fitting and ornament on balcony railing and decorative jewel ball in blue. 62 views
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Roof edges.62 views
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Twice a day, the colorful Aoni-yoshi Parade is held for 30 min. in front of the South Gate. 平城遷都1300年祭 あをによしパレー62 views
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Suzaku Gate is the other prominent landmark at the Heijo-kyo site.62 views
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Eastern Palace Garden 東院庭園広場62 views
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Gigaku performers wore these large, wooden masks. These gigaku masks depict Chinese women. 伎楽62 views
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Hello!62 views
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Top of the Takamikura Throne61 views
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The ceiling has hand-painted flowers.61 views
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Buddhist priests in the Aoniyoshi Parade.61 views
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This Aoniyoshi Parade might be canceled in the event of rain.61 views
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About the Imperial Domicile.61 views
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Photo studio where you can dress up in Tempyo Period costumes and get your picture taken.61 views
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Straight ahead is the entrance to the Eastern Palace Garden.61 views
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About the excavation of Former Imperial Audience Hall in English.60 views
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Design pattern on the Takamikura Throne panels.60 views
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Paintings on the ceiling.60 views
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View of Entrance Plaza from the ship. The museum (photography not allowed inside) has animated films and panel displays.60 views
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Layout of the excavated pillar holes.60 views
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Eastern Palace Garden60 views
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As you can see, the place is quite spread out. Be prepared to do some walking if you want to see things.60 views
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On the railing are decorative jewel balls in different colors. 59 views
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These two represent the many traders from China, Korea, and India doing business in Heijo-kyo.59 views
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Pottery59 views
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Roof edges of Daigokuden Hall.58 views
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These platforms are the site of old buildings.58 views
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Chairs and desks on a dirt floor.58 views
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Hands-on Learning Center 体験楽習広場58 views
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The Heijo-kyo History Museum is near the Entrance Plaza. 平城京歴史館57 views
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Ship's rudder57 views
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Wooden well57 views
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Roof tile pieces.57 views
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Directional sign in English.57 views
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These Gigaku performers ere played by Tenri University's Gagaku Club student members.57 views
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I finally realized what was wrong. Their footwear didn't match the period.57 views
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Sento-kun's cousins.57 views
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The end of the procession featured Buddhist priests of all sects.57 views
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Front of Suzaku Gate.56 views
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Suzaku Gate 朱雀門56 views
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When it's crowded (weekends, etc.), they require reservation tickets (seiriken) to enter the museum. The seiriken can be had near the museum. Museum admission is 500 yen, but free if you show a foreign passport..56 views
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About the ship to China in English.56 views
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These pillar-like bushes indicate the location of pillars of buildings which existed in the Heijo Palace.56 views
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About the Office of the Imperial Household in English.56 views
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There was an MC introducing the people in the parade, but there was a time lag. These people are Gigaku mime performers. It's now a lost art from the 7th-8th centuries.56 views
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Biwa player56 views
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A maze of flowers. On the right in the background is the Mahoroba Stage.55 views
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"Sento" means "Capital relocation" in this case, and not public bath. Japan's capital was relocated to Nara Heijo-kyo in 710, 1,300 years ago.55 views
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Back of Suzaku Gate.55 views
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About the Excavation Site Exhibition Hall in English.55 views
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About the excavated pillar holes in English.55 views
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Flower arrangement for a Man'yoshu poem.55 views
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Bird gigaku mask is quite famous.55 views
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Arrows and Sento-kun point the way. Or just follow the crowd.54 views
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Flower maze.54 views
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Next to the bus stop is the Entrance Plaza, the site's main entrance. The Food Court is here too, as well as souvenir shops. エントランス広場54 views
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Aboard the diplomatic ship to Tang China. It's pretty small.54 views
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Another museum you should see is this Excavation Site Exhibition Hall. Free admission. 遺構展示館54 views
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Desks for writing on mokkan wooden tablets since using paper was too precious in those days.54 views
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This is not a restaurant. It's where you can try writing on wooden tablets. Inside the Hands-on Learning Center.54 views
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The museums can be quite far apart within the Heijo-kyo site. Walking can be tiring.54 views
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A strange sight.54 views
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Unfortunately, they did not have any signs for each group of people in the parade so I can't identify who's who and what's what.54 views
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Korean contingent (drummers)54 views
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Korean women54 views
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Rest station. This place had cooling vapors as well. 53 views
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Sento-kun first made various poses for picture-taking by the audience. 53 views
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Where to get a tour guide for foreigners. The guided tour is free if you show a foreign passport.53 views
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Daigokuden Hall as seen from Suzaku Gate.53 views
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The compartment toward the front was the envoy's quarters.53 views
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Mast53 views
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At the Hands-on Learning Center, kids can try their hand at archeological digging in this sand box. They don't get to keep what they find. Reservations required.53 views
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Cooling mists at Hands-on Learning Center.53 views
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This area is still being excavated so it's off limits.53 views
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Gigaku performer.53 views
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Gigaku performers performed during Buddhist ceremonies. Although it got quite popular, it eventually died out.53 views
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Sacred music53 views
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A lot of people sat.53 views
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Paintings on the ceiling.52 views
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Bus terminal at the Entrance Plaza. The free shuttle buses can take you to both JR and Kintetsu Nara Station.52 views
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Gate to the Office of the Imperial Household.52 views
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Office of the Imperial Household, a government agency looking after the Imperial family.52 views
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About the Office of the Imperial Household.51 views
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Pottery workshop51 views
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That's why they have a tram. ハートフルトラム51 views
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The plaza in front of the Former Imperial Audience Hall is quite large.50 views
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They also open the gate doors every morning. The ceremony might be cancelled if it rains.49 views
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Heading for the stage.47 views
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This is the front of Suzaku Gate. Later they will go through the doors to the other side and close the doors. 朱雀門広場46 views
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The close the gate doors.46 views
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Because of this parade, I didn't have time to see everything at this site. Maybe next time, in which I case I shall update this page with more photos.45 views
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Women Buddhist priests.44 views
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On stage, the Buddhist and Shinto priests held a prayer for peace. I didn't stick around for this.43 views
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Lots of empty chairs went to waste.43 views
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