Once Upon a Time, My Town Nara

Once upon a time  the majestic capital of Japan had been in Nara for about 70 years. In 710, the capital, called  "Heijo-kyo",  was established modeling on Changan, Tang Capital of China. At that time, Japan had periodically sent the diplomatic ships for envoys to Tang China and also had close contact with Korea. Japan learned a lot of things from China and Korea such as highly advanced culture, technology and knowledge. This  learning became the foundation of Japanese culture. That's why Nara is said to be home to Japanese culture. As Silk Road connected China and Europe, it is no wonder that  Nara has been called " The Terminal of Silk Road".

Here is  the center of the capital-Heijo Palace Site where the Imperial Palace, the Imperial government hall, other official buildings  used to stand majestically in the 8th century. But when the capital was moved from Nara to Kyoto, all major buildings were dismantled,  transferred to and reassembled in the new capital, Kyoto.  As traditional Japanese buildings are constructed of wood by using the technique of dovetailing, they are easily dismantled. Gradually  this site was abandoned and forgotten. Until the site was recognized as the old palace site in 19th century, it had slept under rice paddies. Now the site is under excavation.

 But, why they moved the capital from Nara to Kyoto? It is said that the new Emperor Kanmu wanted to start the new government in the new capital as too much bloodshed took place because of power struggles in the old capital. The other reason is that the temples in Nara became so powerful that they started to interfere in political matters. Leaving the temples in Nara, the capital was moved to Kyoto. 

Many of the buildings in Nara capital had roofs covered with bluish roof tiles, massive red columns and white walls. Many people  from Asia , Middle East and even Europe(maybe) came to Nara. In the 8th century, Nara was a lively international city.  The short poem of the time described its beauty and glory.

あおによし　奈良の都は　咲く花の

にほふがごとく　今盛りなり

The capital of Nara,

is beautifully flourishing now

like fragrant flowers in full bloom

A small red dot is a flying kite.

Noble people in the 8th century were dressed in Chinese-style clothes.

This is Imperial Audience Hall  which was the center of the Heijo Palace Site.
The hall was the center of the centers.  Here the emperors reigned over Japan. The hall  was rebuilt in 2010.

This is the replica of the chair which the emperors sat down in ceremonial occasions.

This Sujaku-mon Gate was  the main entrance gate to the Imperial Palace Site.
 The gate was guarded by brave soldiers all day long. This gate was  rebuilt in 1988.

It seems that nothing valuable from the 8th century is left in the palace site. Only newly built structures are there. Why was this site designated as World Heritage Site? The answer is that the archaeological treasures lie down underground, such as roof tiles, earthenware, wooden tablets and more which vividly tell us the people's life of the time. This site is nicknamed the underground "Shoso-in" which is the Imperial treasure house in the 8th century.

The festival has been held in the palace site from April 29 to May 5 to collect donations for Tohoku, the badly affected areas.

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