Most viewed - Nara Heijo-kyo Capital and Heijo Palace 平城遷都1300年祭・平城宮跡 |
Takamikura Throne where the emperor sat when there was an audience.633 views
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I first heard about Nara's 1300th anniversary a few years ago through this mascot named Sento-kun. A boy priest with deer antlers was so absurd that he has become very popular and recognizable.605 views
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Ad for Heijo-kyo 1300th anniversary in a train.351 views
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Sento-kun at JR Nara Station.284 views
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Inside JR Nara Station. Ceiling looks like a temple.241 views
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The Heijo Palace guard (Ejitai) holds the Gate-closing ceremony at the end of the day at Suzaku Gate.202 views
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On the day I went (May 9) during Golden Week, they held the Tempyo Gyoretsu Procession featuring 1,300 people in Tempyo (Tenpyo) Period (729-749) costumes.190 views
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Aoniyoshi Parade at Heijo-kyo, Nara168 views
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There were many of them in Tempyo Procession, Nara Heijo-kyo.165 views
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Mountain ascetic priests.163 views
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The Daigokuden Hall (Former Imperial Audience Hall) is a magnificent reconstruction. This was where the emperor performed his duties during the Nara Period. 大極殿161 views
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These pictures were taken in early May so the flower motif might change in later seasons.161 views
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Tempyo Procession, Nara Heijo-kyo160 views
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The Heijo Palace guard (Ejitai) holds the Gate-closing ceremony at the end of the day at Suzaku Gate at 5:10 pm. 衛士隊157 views
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Former Imperial Audience Hall.145 views
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Pretty little princess139 views
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My YouTube video of the Aoniyoshi Parade.116 views
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My YouTube video of Sento-kun.104 views
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JR Nara Station94 views
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My YouTube video of the Tempyo Procession (Part 1).92 views
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My YouTube video of the Tempyo Procession (Part 2).88 views
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The Palace guard completes its job and I caught the last shuttle bus back to Nara Station at 6 pm.87 views
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I took this Kintetsu Line train at Kyoto Station. You should also bring your passport which will enable you to enter a few Heijo-kyo attractions for free.80 views
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At the Mahoroba Stage, the Sento-kun show was held to a full house. (Standing room only.)80 views
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It was 1,300 years ago in 710 when Japan's capital was moved to this place in Nara. Hence, the 1300th anniversary celebration in 2010.78 views
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But now, anyone can enter this reconstruction for free. There was a long line, but it proceeded quickly and it took only 10-min. or so to get in.77 views
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On the balcony of the Former Imperial Audience Hall before entering the building through a side entrance.76 views
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Inside the Former Imperial Audience Hall. In the center was the Emperor's Takamikura Throne.76 views
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A few of the guards were female.76 views
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Balcony railing.75 views
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Azalea and Suzaku Gate.75 views
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Takamikura Throne74 views
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This is the heart of the Heijo Palace site. The focal point is the Daigokuden Hall (Former Imperial Audience Hall) in the distance. 大極殿・前庭73 views
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On the railing are decorative jewel balls in different colors. 73 views
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About the Former Imperial Audience Hall in English.73 views
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Phoenix atop the Takamikura Throne.73 views
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Daigokuden Former Imperial Audience Hall, Heijo-kyo, Nara73 views
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The Heijo-kyo History Museum includes a full-scale replica of the ship used to transport Japanese envoys to and from Tang China during the Nara Period. 平城京歴史館/遣唐使船復原展示73 views
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Exit of Daigokuden Hall.72 views
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The Aoniyoshi Parade reflects the Tempyo Period when Japan held exchanges with foreign cultures and when Buddhism was introduced to Japan.72 views
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Sento-kun also danced to his silly-sounding theme song. Also see my video at YouTube.72 views
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I arrived at Yamato Saidaiji Station which is within walking distance to the Heijo-kyo site. You can also go to JR Nara Station and ride a free shuttle bus to the Heijo Palace site.71 views
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They had a large stage out front on the day I visited and these ribbons attached to the building.71 views
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衛士隊の再現(南門広場)71 views
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And here's Sento-kun, the official mascot of the 1300th anniversary of the Heijo-kyo Capital. When he was first introduced a few years ago, some people lambasted the design as insulting to priests.71 views
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Pillar post holes which were excavated here. 遺構展示館71 views
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This thing is so nice that they should get a real emperor's coronation or enthronement here someday.70 views
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About the Takamikura Throne in English.70 views
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Deer antlers on the head of a boy priest was funny. But he has proven to be a major hit among the masses and critics are silent now. The deer antlers come from the famous deer of Nara Park where they wander around with tourists.70 views
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Koreans70 views
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Panel displays explaining about the Former Imperial Audience Hall.69 views
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If there's something you have to see here, it's this building.69 views
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Overlapping pillar holes. The hole was reused.69 views
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I went during Golden Week when they had flowers and various events and entertainment. I recommend visiting here on a weekend or holiday period. That's when they have more events and entertainment. The crowds are not unbearable.68 views
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This was the center of the capital and symbol of state authority. Only high-ranked aristocrats were allowed to enter the Daikokuden Hall.68 views
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On the railing are decorative jewel balls in different colors. 68 views
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At 1 pm in front of the South Gate, the Heijo Palace guards (Ejitai) reenact a guard routine. They appear three times a day. 衛士隊68 views
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Aoni-yoshi Parade is a great photo op.68 views
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This is in front of the South Gate.68 views
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Model of the Imperial Domicile.68 views
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Flowers in spring.68 views
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About the Former Imperial Audience Hall in English.67 views
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Metal fittings on a door.67 views
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Twice a day, the colorful Aoni-yoshi Parade is held for 30 min. in front of the South Gate. 平城遷都1300年祭 あをによしパレー67 views
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Gigaku performers wore these large, wooden masks. These gigaku masks depict Chinese women. 伎楽67 views
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Path toward the central area. The Daigokuden Imperial Audience Hall is in the distance on the left. This Heijo-kyo area is a National Special Historic Site.66 views
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It looks like a portable shrine.66 views
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We could also go outside on the balcony and see a good view.66 views
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Behind the Takamikura Throne.66 views
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Life-size model of the Shibi ornament atop the roof's ridge.66 views
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Metal fitting and ornament on balcony railing and decorative jewel ball in blue. 66 views
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Roof edges.66 views
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Display of a model of the emperor's residence (Imperial Domicile).66 views
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Hello!66 views
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Roof tile used in the reconstruction.65 views
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These two represent the many traders from China, Korea, and India doing business in Heijo-kyo.65 views
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This Aoniyoshi Parade might be canceled in the event of rain.65 views
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Suzaku Gate is the other prominent landmark at the Heijo-kyo site.65 views
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View of Entrance Plaza from the ship. The museum (photography not allowed inside) has animated films and panel displays.65 views
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Photo studio where you can dress up in Tempyo Period costumes and get your picture taken.65 views
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Eastern Palace Garden 東院庭園広場65 views
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The Daigokuden Hall's front gate, called Suzaku Gate, can be seen.64 views
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Buddhist priests in the Aoniyoshi Parade.64 views
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Pottery64 views
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As you can see, the place is quite spread out. Be prepared to do some walking if you want to see things.64 views
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Design pattern on the Takamikura Throne panels.63 views
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The ceiling has hand-painted flowers.63 views
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On the railing are decorative jewel balls in different colors. 63 views
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About the Imperial Domicile.63 views
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Straight ahead is the entrance to the Eastern Palace Garden.63 views
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I finally realized what was wrong. Their footwear didn't match the period.63 views
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About the excavation of Former Imperial Audience Hall in English.62 views
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Top of the Takamikura Throne62 views
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Paintings on the ceiling.62 views
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Roof edges of Daigokuden Hall.62 views
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The Heijo-kyo History Museum is near the Entrance Plaza. 平城京歴史館62 views
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Ship's rudder62 views
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Layout of the excavated pillar holes.62 views
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Eastern Palace Garden62 views
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Sento-kun's cousins.62 views
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Front of Suzaku Gate.61 views
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These pillar-like bushes indicate the location of pillars of buildings which existed in the Heijo Palace.61 views
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Wooden well61 views
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Chairs and desks on a dirt floor.61 views
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Hands-on Learning Center 体験楽習広場61 views
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Biwa player61 views
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The end of the procession featured Buddhist priests of all sects.61 views
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A maze of flowers. On the right in the background is the Mahoroba Stage.60 views
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These platforms are the site of old buildings.60 views
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Roof tile pieces.60 views
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About the Office of the Imperial Household in English.60 views
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Flower arrangement for a Man'yoshu poem.60 views
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These Gigaku performers ere played by Tenri University's Gagaku Club student members.60 views
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Rest station. This place had cooling vapors as well. 59 views
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Where to get a tour guide for foreigners. The guided tour is free if you show a foreign passport.59 views
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Suzaku Gate 朱雀門59 views
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Mast59 views
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About the Excavation Site Exhibition Hall in English.59 views
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Directional sign in English.59 views
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"Sento" means "Capital relocation" in this case, and not public bath. Japan's capital was relocated to Nara Heijo-kyo in 710, 1,300 years ago.58 views
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Back of Suzaku Gate.58 views
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Daigokuden Hall as seen from Suzaku Gate.58 views
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When it's crowded (weekends, etc.), they require reservation tickets (seiriken) to enter the museum. The seiriken can be had near the museum. Museum admission is 500 yen, but free if you show a foreign passport..58 views
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About the ship to China in English.58 views
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Bird gigaku mask is quite famous.58 views
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A lot of people sat.58 views
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Sento-kun first made various poses for picture-taking by the audience. 57 views
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Another museum you should see is this Excavation Site Exhibition Hall. Free admission. 遺構展示館57 views
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About the excavated pillar holes in English.57 views
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Desks for writing on mokkan wooden tablets since using paper was too precious in those days.57 views
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This is not a restaurant. It's where you can try writing on wooden tablets. Inside the Hands-on Learning Center.57 views
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The museums can be quite far apart within the Heijo-kyo site. Walking can be tiring.57 views
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Unfortunately, they did not have any signs for each group of people in the parade so I can't identify who's who and what's what.57 views
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There was an MC introducing the people in the parade, but there was a time lag. These people are Gigaku mime performers. It's now a lost art from the 7th-8th centuries.57 views
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Gigaku performer.57 views
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Korean contingent (drummers)57 views
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Korean women57 views
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Arrows and Sento-kun point the way. Or just follow the crowd.56 views
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Paintings on the ceiling.56 views
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Flower maze.56 views
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Next to the bus stop is the Entrance Plaza, the site's main entrance. The Food Court is here too, as well as souvenir shops. エントランス広場56 views
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Aboard the diplomatic ship to Tang China. It's pretty small.56 views
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The compartment toward the front was the envoy's quarters.56 views
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Cooling mists at Hands-on Learning Center.56 views
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That's why they have a tram. ハートフルトラム56 views
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A strange sight.56 views
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Gigaku performers performed during Buddhist ceremonies. Although it got quite popular, it eventually died out.56 views
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Sacred music56 views
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Gate to the Office of the Imperial Household.55 views
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Office of the Imperial Household, a government agency looking after the Imperial family.55 views
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At the Hands-on Learning Center, kids can try their hand at archeological digging in this sand box. They don't get to keep what they find. Reservations required.55 views
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Pottery workshop55 views
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This area is still being excavated so it's off limits.55 views
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The plaza in front of the Former Imperial Audience Hall is quite large.54 views
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Bus terminal at the Entrance Plaza. The free shuttle buses can take you to both JR and Kintetsu Nara Station.54 views
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About the Office of the Imperial Household.52 views
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They also open the gate doors every morning. The ceremony might be cancelled if it rains.52 views
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Heading for the stage.50 views
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The close the gate doors.49 views
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Because of this parade, I didn't have time to see everything at this site. Maybe next time, in which I case I shall update this page with more photos.48 views
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This is the front of Suzaku Gate. Later they will go through the doors to the other side and close the doors. 朱雀門広場47 views
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On stage, the Buddhist and Shinto priests held a prayer for peace. I didn't stick around for this.46 views
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Women Buddhist priests.45 views
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Lots of empty chairs went to waste.45 views
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