The Heijo-kyo Capital Relocation Festival Weekend is Here – Free Entry with Passport in Nara:: Heian-kyo:: Suzaku Gate

The long-awaited 1300th Anniversary of the Heijo-kyo Capital Relocation Festival is officially kicking off this weekend (April 24). To celebrate the 1300th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Heijo Palace, the Japan Tourism Agency and Nara Prefecture are hosting a variety of grand events. From April 24, 2010 to November 14, a series of exhibitions and hands-on experiences will be held in relay.

When it comes to ancient Japanese capitals, most people first think of Kyoto. However, Nara, not far from Kyoto, is actually an older Japanese capital than Kyoto and was Japan’s first international capital. Emperor Genmei, who chose to relocate the capital here, was deeply influenced by Taoist feng shui concepts as well as the architectural and Buddhist styles of the Tang and Northern Wei dynasties. As a result, the layout of Heijo-kyo, situated in the western suburbs of present-day Nara City, was built in imitation of the styles of the Tang and Northern Wei dynasties. At that time, it was the center of Japan’s political, economic, and religious development. The period from the relocation of the capital to Nara until 794, when Emperor Kanmu moved the capital to Heian-kyo (Kyoto), is known in Japanese history as the “Nara Period.”

Memories of Heijo Palace had long faded with the passage of time. In fact, during the original relocation, not only were the furnishings and treasures inside the palace moved, but the buildings themselves were also relocated. Centuries later, ancient stone foundations were accidentally discovered in what had become farmland, reminding people that this was the site of the long-lost palace—Heijo Palace. This discovery led to a series of restoration and reconstruction projects.

To celebrate the 1300th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Heijo Palace, the Japan Tourism Agency and Nara Prefecture are holding a variety of grand events. From April 24, 2010 to November 14, a series of exhibitions and hands-on experiences will be held in relay. For example, by visiting the Heijo-kyo Historical Museum, you can learn about the history of Japan’s founding through videos and catch a glimpse of the prosperity of Heijo-kyo as an international metropolis at that time. In addition, there is an exhibition featuring the Tang envoy ship. During the Nara Period, Japan was heavily influenced by the Tang Dynasty—not only were many monks and envoys sent to China to study and exchange knowledge, bringing Buddhism back to Japan, but this also led to the construction of various temples and shrines during the Nara Period. This time, to commemorate the 1300th anniversary of the capital relocation, Nara will recreate a Tang envoy ship of the original size, recreating the vibrant face of international exchange at that time.

The highly anticipated reconstruction of the Daigokuden (Great Hall of State) has also recently been completed. The Daigokuden was the main hall of the imperial palace where the Japanese emperor resided at the time, and it was also the first place in Japanese history where the emperor held national ceremonies and received foreign envoys. With the support of relevant Japanese authorities, the reconstruction project was launched and has now been completed. On April 24, in addition to a series of cross-seasonal events to be held at the main venue of the 1300th Anniversary of the Heijo-kyo Capital Relocation Festival—the Heijo Palace Site—after dusk, the Daigokuden will also officially begin its nighttime lighting, presenting a dreamy beauty that is distinctly different between day and night.

At the same time, the first wave of events for the 1300th Anniversary of the Heijo-kyo Capital Relocation Festival—the Spring Flower Exhibition—will officially kick off from April 24 to May 9. During this time, you will be able to see the bustling scene of Heijo Palace recreated with flowers, greenery, and ancient performing arts. It is worth mentioning that foreign tourists can enter for free by showing their passport, including the “Complete Heijo-kyo Experience Hall” where you can experience the Nara Period, the “Heijo-kyo History Museum” which showcases history through videos and displays, and the “Heijo-kyo Hands-on Experience Hall,” among others. There are also many other spots you can enjoy.

◎ 1300th Anniversary of the Heijo-kyo Capital Relocation Festival
Period: April 24 (Saturday) to May 9 (Sunday), 2010
※ Cross-seasonal events will continue until November 7 (Sunday).

★★★ Further Reading =Nara:: Complete Introduction to Heijo Palace Site Attractions

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