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.638 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.613 views
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Ad for Heijo-kyo 1300th anniversary in a train.358 views
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Sento-kun at JR Nara Station.289 views
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Inside JR Nara Station. Ceiling looks like a temple.249 views
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The Heijo Palace guard (Ejitai) holds the Gate-closing ceremony at the end of the day at Suzaku Gate.216 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.200 views
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Aoniyoshi Parade at Heijo-kyo, Nara185 views
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Tempyo Procession, Nara Heijo-kyo175 views
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These pictures were taken in early May so the flower motif might change in later seasons.173 views
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Mountain ascetic priests.172 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171 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170 views
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There were many of them in Tempyo Procession, Nara Heijo-kyo.170 views
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Former Imperial Audience Hall.159 views
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Pretty little princess145 views
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My YouTube video of the Aoniyoshi Parade.121 views
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My YouTube video of Sento-kun.110 views
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My YouTube video of the Tempyo Procession (Part 1).101 views
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JR Nara Station100 views
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My YouTube video of the Tempyo Procession (Part 2).94 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.93 views
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At the Mahoroba Stage, the Sento-kun show was held to a full house. (Standing room only.)88 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 2010.87 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.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.85 views
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Phoenix atop the Takamikura Throne.85 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84 views
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Azalea and Suzaku Gate.84 views
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On the balcony of the Former Imperial Audience Hall before entering the building through a side entrance.83 views
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Inside the Former Imperial Audience Hall. In the center was the Emperor's Takamikura Throne.83 views
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A few of the guards were female.83 views
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Exit of Daigokuden Hall.82 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.82 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.81 views
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Panel displays explaining about the Former Imperial Audience Hall.81 views
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Takamikura Throne81 views
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About the Former Imperial Audience Hall in English.80 views
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They had a large stage out front on the day I visited and these ribbons attached to the building.80 views
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Balcony railing.80 views
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Daigokuden Former Imperial Audience Hall, Heijo-kyo, Nara79 views
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衛士隊の再現(南門広場)79 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.79 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79 views
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Pillar post holes which were excavated here. 遺構展示館79 views
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Koreans79 views
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On the railing are decorative jewel balls in different colors. 78 views
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About the Takamikura Throne in English.78 views
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If there's something you have to see here, it's this building.78 views
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Aoni-yoshi Parade is a great photo op.78 views
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On the railing are decorative jewel balls in different colors. 77 views
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This thing is so nice that they should get a real emperor's coronation or enthronement here someday.77 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.77 views
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Sento-kun also danced to his silly-sounding theme song. Also see my video at YouTube.77 views
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Flowers in spring.77 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.76 views
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Eastern Palace Garden 東院庭園広場76 views
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76 views
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About the Former Imperial Audience Hall in English.75 views
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It looks like a portable shrine.75 views
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We could also go outside on the balcony and see a good view.75 views
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Roof tile used in the reconstruction.75 views
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Metal fittings on a door.75 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75 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75 views
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This is in front of the South Gate.75 views
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Display of a model of the emperor's residence (Imperial Domicile).75 views
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Model of the Imperial Domicile.75 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.74 views
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Behind the Takamikura Throne.74 views
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The Daigokuden Hall's front gate, called Suzaku Gate, can be seen.74 views
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On the railing are decorative jewel balls in different colors. 74 views
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74 views
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About the Imperial Domicile.74 views
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Eastern Palace Garden74 views
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Hello!74 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.73 views
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Life-size model of the Shibi ornament atop the roof's ridge.73 views
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Metal fitting and ornament on balcony railing and decorative jewel ball in blue. 73 views
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73 views
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73 views
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View of Entrance Plaza from the ship. The museum (photography not allowed inside) has animated films and panel displays.73 views
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Overlapping pillar holes. The hole was reused.73 views
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Gigaku performers wore these large, wooden masks. These gigaku masks depict Chinese women. 伎楽73 views
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Roof edges.72 views
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Pottery72 views
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Photo studio where you can dress up in Tempyo Period costumes and get your picture taken.72 views
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Straight ahead is the entrance to the Eastern Palace Garden.72 views
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Top of the Takamikura Throne71 views
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These two represent the many traders from China, Korea, and India doing business in Heijo-kyo.71 views
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Suzaku Gate is the other prominent landmark at the Heijo-kyo site.71 views
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Layout of the excavated pillar holes.71 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.71 views
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71 views
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About the excavation of Former Imperial Audience Hall in English.70 views
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Design pattern on the Takamikura Throne panels.70 views
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This Aoniyoshi Parade might be canceled in the event of rain.70 views
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Ship's rudder70 views
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About the Excavation Site Exhibition Hall in English.70 views
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Buddhist priests in the Aoniyoshi Parade.69 views
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The Heijo-kyo History Museum is near the Entrance Plaza. 平城京歴史館69 views
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Hands-on Learning Center 体験楽習広場69 views
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Sento-kun's cousins.69 views
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Paintings on the ceiling.68 views
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Mast68 views
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Chairs and desks on a dirt floor.68 views
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Gigaku performer.68 views
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Biwa player68 views
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The ceiling has hand-painted flowers.67 views
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A maze of flowers. On the right in the background is the Mahoroba Stage.67 views
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These platforms are the site of old buildings.67 views
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These pillar-like bushes indicate the location of pillars of buildings which existed in the Heijo Palace.67 views
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Roof tile pieces.67 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.67 views
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These Gigaku performers ere played by Tenri University's Gagaku Club student members.67 views
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I finally realized what was wrong. Their footwear didn't match the period.67 views
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The end of the procession featured Buddhist priests of all sects.67 views
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Roof edges of Daigokuden Hall.66 views
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Where to get a tour guide for foreigners. The guided tour is free if you show a foreign passport.66 views
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Front of Suzaku Gate.66 views
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Wooden well66 views
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Flower arrangement for a Man'yoshu poem.66 views
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The museums can be quite far apart within the Heijo-kyo site. Walking can be tiring.66 views
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That's why they have a tram. ハートフルトラム66 views
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Directional sign in English.66 views
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Bird gigaku mask is quite famous.66 views
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Sento-kun first made various poses for picture-taking by the audience. 65 views
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Suzaku Gate 朱雀門65 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..65 views
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65 views
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About the Office of the Imperial Household in English.65 views
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About the ship to China in English.64 views
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Another museum you should see is this Excavation Site Exhibition Hall. Free admission. 遺構展示館64 views
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About the excavated pillar holes in English.64 views
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About the Office of the Imperial Household.64 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.64 views
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Flower maze.63 views
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Rest station. This place had cooling vapors as well. 63 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.63 views
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Aboard the diplomatic ship to Tang China. It's pretty small.63 views
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Korean contingent (drummers)63 views
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Paintings on the ceiling.62 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.62 views
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Back of Suzaku Gate.62 views
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Daigokuden Hall as seen from Suzaku Gate.62 views
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Cooling mists at Hands-on Learning Center.62 views
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Pottery workshop62 views
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This area is still being excavated so it's off limits.62 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61 views
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Desks for writing on mokkan wooden tablets since using paper was too precious in those days.61 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.61 views
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A strange sight.61 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.61 views
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Arrows and Sento-kun point the way. Or just follow the crowd.60 views
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The compartment toward the front was the envoy's quarters.60 views
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Office of the Imperial Household, a government agency looking after the Imperial family.60 views
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Sacred music60 views
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Korean women60 views
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A lot of people sat.60 views
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The plaza in front of the Former Imperial Audience Hall is quite large.59 views
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Gate to the Office of the Imperial Household.59 views
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Gigaku performers performed during Buddhist ceremonies. Although it got quite popular, it eventually died out.59 views
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They also open the gate doors every morning. The ceremony might be cancelled if it rains.58 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55 views
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The close the gate doors.55 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.54 views
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Heading for the stage.51 views
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Lots of empty chairs went to waste.51 views
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On stage, the Buddhist and Shinto priests held a prayer for peace. I didn't stick around for this.50 views
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Women Buddhist priests.49 views
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