 Most viewed - Nara city 奈良市 |
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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Todaiji Temple521 views
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Japan's largest Buddha statue in Todaiji. National Treasure.378 views
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Ad for Heijo-kyo 1300th anniversary in a train.349 views
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Crawl through a pillar332 views
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Gate god299 views
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280 views
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Sento-kun at JR Nara Station.279 views
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The torch is positioned at the corners. It is totally dark when the torches are lit.270 views
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248 views
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240 views
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Inside JR Nara Station. Ceiling looks like a temple.237 views
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Todaiji Temple232 views
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228 views
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213 views
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Great Buddha212 views
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Rear view209 views
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Burn baby burn...206 viewsThe fire is put out by 9 pm. Unless you're near the fire, it can get very cold, so dress warmly for this festival.
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A World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous temples, Todaiji houses Japan's largest statue of the Buddha, a National Treasure. Temple was established about 1,200 years ago.206 views
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Path to Todaiji197 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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138 views
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Pretty little princess134 views
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On the Sunday before the second Monday of Jan., 33 hectares of a hill called Wakakusa-yama (seen in the distance here) next to Nara Park is burned at night.132 viewsThe burning hill looks more spectacular from afar, but we went up close.
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Kasuga Taisha Shrine is also noted for many bronze hanging lanterns.121 views
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Deer on a bronze lantern atKasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara.120 views
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My YouTube video of the Aoniyoshi Parade.113 views
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Bon fire burns112 views
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Bamboo torches and bamboo brooms111 viewsThe bamboo torches is filled with kerosene and plugged with cotton cloth. They are used to set the hill afire. The bamboo brooms are used to spread the fire or extinguish it. The brooms burn up by the end of the festival.
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Every evening during March 1-14, Todaiji temple priests carry torches on the balcony of Nigatsu-do Hall. Sparks falling from the torches bring good health. Todaiji temple 二月堂109 views
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Wakakusa-yama hill in January107 viewsWakakusa-yama hill actually has three hills. We see only the first one here.
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Sacred torch arrives at the foot of the hill.105 viewsThe sacred torch is lit at Kasuga Taisha Shrine and brought to Nogami Shrine in a torch procession. It is a small shrine at the foot of the hill.
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Ceremony at Nogami Shrine103 views
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The hill behind also starts to burn.102 views
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Dry grass ready to burn...100 views
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Fireworks100 views
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My YouTube video of Sento-kun.100 views
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The deer have no idea what danger they are in...99 views
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Other torches are thrown in.98 views
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The priest runs while spinning the torch on the balcony. Also see the video at YouTube.98 views
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Only 10 torches are lit. Most photos show a time-lapse shot which lights up the entire hall. Tripod required though, and you need to be a press photographer.98 views
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Bamboo torches and bamboo brooms97 viewsThe bamboo torches is filled with kerosene and plugged with cotton cloth. They are used to set the hill afire. The bamboo brooms are used to spread the fire or extinguish it. The brooms burn up by the end of the festival.
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Deer on the hill97 views
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The sacred torch lights the bonfire at around 6 pm.96 viewsYou can also see three lanterns for Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Kofukuji Temple. This is a joint festival between these three temples and shrine.
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Bon fire site95 views
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Bamboo torches94 viewsThe bamboo torches is filled with kerosene and plugged with cotton cloth. They are used to set the hill afire.
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Water bags94 viewsThe third item the volunteer firemen carry are water bags. The water bag is filled with water weighing 20 kg or so. A nozzle is also attached. It is used to extinguish the fire.
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The crowd93 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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Volunteer firemen87 viewsThe hill set alight by 300 volunteer firemen and prefectural workers who climb up the hill.
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The sacred torch is brought.87 views
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Large crowd behind us. Tripods are not allowed.87 views
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Kasuga Taisha Shrine bright vermillion color contrasts with the dark brown tones of nearby Buddhist temples.87 views
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The torch walk ends in 20 min. Police and firemen are present.86 views
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Great Buddha, Todaiji Temple, Nara86 views
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My YouTube video of the Tempyo Procession (Part 2).85 views
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Stone lanterns leading to Kasuga Taisha Shrine.85 views
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Volunteeer firemen and staff hike up the hills.84 views
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Volunteer firement gather before going up the hill.83 viewsThe hill set alight by 300 volunteer firemen from all over Nara and prefectural workers who climb up the hill.
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83 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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Todaiji Temple, Nara70 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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