Nara
Country: Japan
Region: Asia
Period: 710-794CE
Location: 34.691111°N, 135.794722°E
Description
Heijō-kyō was the capital of Japan during the Nara period (710–794 CE). Located in present-day Nara, it was the political, cultural, and religious center of Japan at the time. The city was modeled after the Chinese capital Chang'an, with a grid-like street plan and grand palaces, temples, and government buildings. Heijō-kyō served as the focal point for the establishment of Buddhism in Japan, and it played a pivotal role in the development of Japanese culture.
Modern Remains
Today, the site of Heijō-kyō is part of Nara Park, where the remains of the ancient city can still be seen. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the foundations of palaces, temples, and administrative buildings. Some structures, like the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) at Todai-ji, trace their origins to this period. The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, with ongoing archaeological work shedding light on early Japanese urban planning and cultural practices.