Heijō Palace Site Historical National Park: Stepping Back into Nara's Imperial Past
Discover Japan's imperial past at Nara's Heijō Palace Site Historical National Park, featuring reconstructed palaces, museums, and serene gardens.
Explore the remnants of the Heijō Palace, the imperial residence during the Nara period (710-794 AD), at this expansive national park in Nara. Wander through reconstructed buildings, museums, and gardens, and immerse yourself in Japan's rich cultural legacy.
A brief summary to Heijō Palace Site Historical National Park
- 3 Chome-5-1 Nijoojiminami, Nara, 3 Chome Nijoojiminami, Nara, 630-8012, JP
- +81742-36-8780
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the park is expansive and requires a good amount of walking.
- Visit the Nara Palace Site Museum and Heijokyo Izanaikan Museum to deepen your understanding of the palace's history and significance.
- Check the park's website for seasonal events and festivals that showcase traditional Japanese culture.
- Consider visiting during spring (cherry blossoms) or autumn (vibrant foliage) for picturesque scenery.
- Utilize public transportation, as parking can be limited, especially during peak season.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kintetsu Nara Station, take the Kintetsu Nara Line to Yamato-Saidaiji Station (approx. 5 minutes, 240 yen). From there, it's a 15-minute walk east to the Heijō Palace Site Historical National Park. Alternatively, from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, take bus number 14 towards Yamato-Saidaiji Station. Get off at a nearby bus stop, such as Heijokyuseki (290 yen), Sakicho (330 yen), or Nijocho (330 yen), depending on which area of the park you wish to visit.
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Walking
From Kintetsu Shin-Omiya Station, walk south for approximately 20 minutes to reach Suzaku-mon Gate, the main entrance to the Heijō Palace Site. From Yamato-Saidaiji Station, walk east for about 15 minutes to reach the park.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available at both JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station. A taxi ride to Heijō Palace Site Historical National Park from either station will take approximately 10 minutes and cost between 680-1200 yen, depending on the distance and taxi company.
Discover more about Heijō Palace Site Historical National Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Suzakumon Gate
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Suzakumon Square
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Heijō Palace Site Historical Park
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Nara City Museum of Art
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天極堂 ＪＲ奈良駅店
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Nara Station
2.3 km
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JR Nara Sta. (East Gate)
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NARANICLE
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Daibutsu Pudding Kintetsu Nara Shop
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Genkishin (Nara)
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Nara Craft Museum
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Toyo-no-akari
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塔の茶屋
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Hosekibako
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Koushi
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Unmissable attractions to see
NARA KINGYO MUSEUM
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Heijo Palace Site Museum
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Nara
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Cherry Trees on the Saho River
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Toshodai-ji
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Saidai-ji
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Hishiage Kofun
1.8 km
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Uwanabe Kofun
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Yakushi-ji
2.2 km
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Saho Seseragi no Sato
2.4 km
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Former JR Nara Station Building
2.4 km
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Daibutsu Tetsudo Memorial Park
2.6 km
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Imanishi Honten
3.0 km
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Naramachi Odori St
3.2 km
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Naramachi Karakuri Toy Museum
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Essential places to dine
Silk Road Dining
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Azekura
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kotan
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onwa
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Wadokoro Yoshino
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Tori Tamura
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Yamatoan Honten
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Surugamachi's Okonomiyakiya
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Kinatei
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Ciel Bleu
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Unagino Kawahara
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Manna Food
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The Olive Dining
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Baku Izakaya
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
KIRARI
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& Maraika BAZAAR
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ファンシー雑貨バラエティ101 ミナーラ店
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Mi Nara
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Nakagawamasashichishoten Nara Tsutaya Book Store
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TSUTAYA BOOKS Nara Store
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2nd Street Nara Hokkejicho
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UP-PLACE STORE NARA
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Kintetsu Department Store Nara
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Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, Kintetsu Department Store Nara
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Hands Nara Store
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Ryohinkaikan Naraten
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Silkia Nara
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Bar 'Pippin
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bar RISE
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Old Time
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Bar PIRATES
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shishabar Re'bel
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Nara, Bar.d
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Woo Koo Bar?
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BAR315.nara
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HAOH SURUGAMACHI
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AUTHENTIC TABLE TAVERN
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LAMP BAR
3.0 km
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shisha&bar vanguard
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Light
3.1 km
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