Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties: Nara Palace Site (平城宮跡資料館)

About Nara Palace Site:

Nara Palace Site was opened in April, 1970 to educate visitors about Nara Palace and history behind it.  Nara Palace was built about 1,300 ago. Nara palace was the center of Japanese government.

Focus: Archaeology, Ancient historical sites, temples, shrines, ancient writings, Soga Clan

Note: Nara Palace Site (平城宮跡資料館) exhibits items that were either excavated or replicated. Iko Tenji Kan, especially, exhibits archaeological materials.  In addition, there is a replicated Suzaku gate.

Notable Collection(s):

• Former Imperial Audience Hall (大極殿院): This facility held the enthronement of the Emperor, national ceremonies such as new year's celebration or welcome ceremonies for foreign ambassadors.

• Suzaku Gate (朱雀門): This gate was reconstructed in 1998 after years of studying building technique and materials.  There were not any surviving structural remnants.  For the guide in English, please refer to "Suzaku Gate".

• East Palace Garden (東院庭園): This garden ruin was discovered the southeast side of the palace in 1967. This garden was named Tōin Teien (東院庭園) as the location of the garden is located at Tōin (東院),  which is mentioned in the Shoku Nihongi (続日本紀).

• Excavation Site Exhibition Hall (遺構展示館): Features from excavation such as old well, woden frame around a well and miniature model of Former Imperial Audience Hall and a section of the Emperor's palace.

Note: The Guide uses the ALA/LC standard romanization, however, it also reflects a different romanization system used by an individual institution or collection.

For all comments and questions about the Guide, please e-mail us:

MLAGuide@nccjapan.org