Overview
The site of the imperial palace of Heijo-kyo, Japan's capital for 74 years from 710, spreads across a huge open field west of downtown. The vermilion Suzaku Gate and the grand First Daigokuden have been rebuilt on their original spots, and the excavation museums and exhibition halls are all free. A surreal signature: Kintetsu trains cutting straight across the middle of the grounds. Rarely crowded, it suits a rental-bike loop or a sunset visit, and is part of the 1998 World Heritage listing.
Opening Hours
Grounds always open; exhibition halls 9:00-16:30 (closed Mondays)
🚇 Getting there
About 15 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station, or buses from JR/Kintetsu Nara to 'Suzakumon Hiroba'.
⏱️ How long to visit
About 1.5-2 hours.
🌅 Best time to visit
Sunset over the Daigokuden and the open field is superb; the seasonal Tenpyosai festivals add costumed processions.
Travel Tips
The grounds are vast — allow 2+ hours on foot. Get oriented at Suzakumon Plaza and prioritize the Daigokuden. Almost no shade, so bring a hat in summer.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Nara, Japan from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Japan on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Nara on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Nara with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Nara 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Heijo Palace Site
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Things to Do in Nara
Deer Feeding in Nara Park
Buy shika-senbei and feed the bowing deer — the essential Nara experience. Morning deer are gentlest for first-timers.
Kimono Rental Stroll
Rent a kimono and wander the park, temples and Naramachi lanes — kimono photos with deer are a Nara exclusive.
Naramachi Lanes & Machiya Tour
Stroll the latticed machiya lanes hung with charm monkeys, linking Koshi-no-Ie, Gango-ji and craft cafes in the old quarter.