Standing in the vast ruins of the 8th-century capital. The seasonal winds blowing across the open fields carry the echoes of a thousand years, framed by the majestic Suzaku Gate.
千三百年前の都の記憶（710-784）
奈良時代、平城京は日本の首都として栄えました。
唐の長安をモデルに造られた計画都市であり、当時の人口は10万人を超えたとも言われています。
その中心に位置した平城宮は、天皇が政務を執り行う権力の中枢でした。
1998年、「古都奈良の文化財」として世界遺産に登録。
現在は国営公園として整備が進み、朱雀門や第一次大極殿が復原され、 往時の威容を伝えています。
Echoes of an Ancient Capital (710–784)
During the Nara period, Heijō-kyō flourished as the imperial capital of Japan. Modeled after Chang’an, the great Tang dynasty capital of China, it was a masterfully planned city whose population is said to have exceeded 100,000. At its heart stood Heijō Palace — the seat of imperial power, where the Emperor conducted the affairs of state.
In 1998, the site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.” Today, the grounds continue to be developed as a national park, with the Suzaku Gate and the First Imperial Audience Hall faithfully reconstructed to convey the grandeur of a bygone era.
朱雀門
朱雀門は幅約25m・高さ約22mの堂々たる二重門で、平城宮の正面玄関にあたります。
外国使節団の迎賓もここで行われ、鮮やかな朱色の存在感は圧倒的です。
第一次大極殿は、天皇の即位式や元旦の朝賀など国家の最重要儀式が行われた建物。
間口約44m・高さ約27mの大スケールで、朱色の柱44本・屋根瓦約9万7千枚が使われています。
内部には天皇の玉座「高御座」が置かれ、正面から朱雀門まで見通せます。
大極門（第一次大極殿院南門）は2022年3月に新たに完成した復原建物で、第一次大極殿院の正面入口にあたります。
Suzaku Gate (Suzaku-mon)
The Suzaku Gate is a magnificent two-story gate spanning approximately 25 meters wide and 22 meters tall, serving as the grand entrance to Heijō Palace. It was here that foreign envoys were officially received, and its striking vermilion presence commands the eye from afar.
The First Imperial Audience Hall (Daigokuden)
The First Imperial Audience Hall was the setting for the most important state ceremonies, including the Emperor’s enthronement and the New Year’s Court. Built on an imposing scale — roughly 44 meters wide and 27 meters tall — it features 44 vermilion pillars and approximately 97,000 roof tiles. Inside stands the imperial throne, the Takamikura, and from the hall’s facade, the view stretches all the way south to the Suzaku Gate.
The Great Supreme Gate (Daigoku-mon)
Completed in March 2022, the Great Supreme Gate is a faithfully reconstructed building that serves as the formal entrance to the First Imperial Audience Hall compound.
生駒山が背景に写る、夕暮れは黄金の都
かつての都が眠る広大な平城宮跡。
夕暮れ時、生駒山の稜線が茜色に染まり始めると、あたり一面は静かな黄金色の光に満たされます。
風に揺れる草の一本一本が宝石のように輝き、日常の中にふと、歴史の重なりを感じるひととき。その美しさは撮影する価値があります。
The Golden Capital at Sunset, with Mt. Ikoma as a Backdrop
The vast grounds of the Heijo Palace Site, where the ancient capital slumbers. As dusk falls and the ridgeline of Mt. Ikoma begins to glow in shades of madder, the entire area is bathed in a quiet, golden light. Every blade of grass swaying in the breeze sparkles like a jewel—a fleeting moment where the layers of history feel palpable amidst the stillness of daily life. Such beauty deserves to be captured.
近代的な近鉄電車が古い都と溶け込む風景
世界遺産の遺跡の真ん中を現役の電車が走るという、なかなか珍しい光景で、鉄道ファンや写真愛好家にも人気のスポットになっています。
朱雀門と電車を一緒に撮影できるアングルは、平城宮跡ならではの見どころのひとつです。
A landscape where the modern Kintetsu line harmonizes with the ancient capital.
Seeing an active train cutting through the heart of a World Heritage site is a rare sight indeed, making this a favored spot for rail enthusiasts and photographers alike. The ability to capture the Suzaku Gate and the train together in a single frame is a signature experience, unique to the Heijo Palace Site.
季節ごとに美しい都跡が見れる平城宮跡
自然も見どころのひとつで、春の桜、夏の5万羽を超えるツバメのねぐら入り、秋の黄金に輝くオギの穂、冬の星空など、四季折々の表情があります。
5月の新緑の季節は緑が特に美しくおすすめです。
The Heijo Palace Site reveals a different kind of beauty with every turn of the seasons.
Nature itself is a key highlight here: the cherry blossoms of spring, the spectacular evening roosting of over 50,000 swallows in summer, the golden-glowing Ogi plumes of autumn, and the pristine starry skies of winter—each season wears its own unique expression. Among them, I particularly recommend the fresh greenery of May, when the landscape is at its most vibrant.
平城宮跡は一生撮れる場所
古都奈良の都の平城宮跡。
撮影する時間や天気、季節によって変化があり過ぎておそらく一生撮れる場所。
ここ来るたびに、なんか違う写真になる不思議なところ。
平城宮跡、ここは何もなさ過ぎて、非日常ですね…。撮影は難しいけど本当に面白いです。
ちらほらと、すごい装備の人が撮りに来てる日もあります。
私は近いから結構幸せものです。
Heijo Palace Site: A Place to Capture for a Lifetime
The Heijo Palace Site, the heart of the ancient capital of Nara. The light and atmosphere shift so dramatically with the time of day, the weather, and the changing seasons that I feel I could spend a lifetime photographing this single place.
True to its history as an ancient capital, there is a sense of “otherworldliness” here. There is almost nothing but open space, yet that emptiness creates a truly extraordinary, surreal experience.
While it’s a challenging place to photograph, it’s endlessly fascinating. On some days, you see photographers with incredible professional gear gathered here. Living so close to such a place, I consider myself truly fortunate.
奈良市 平城宮跡
奈良市にある「平城宮跡（へいじょうきゅうせき）」は、今から約1,300年前の奈良時代に、日本の首都であった「平城京」の中心儀礼・政治施設があった場所です。
現在は国の特別史跡に指定されており、「古都奈良の文化財」のひとつとして世界遺産にも登録されています。
いつも気持ちいい風が吹いていて、過去の都なので、少しセンチメンタルですが、ここにいるだけで気分は軽やかになります。
Heijo Palace Site, Nara City
Located in Nara City, the Heijo Palace Site was the heart of the ancient capital “Heijo-kyo” about 1,300 years ago during the Nara period. Today, it is designated as a Special Historic Site and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.”
A pleasant breeze always flows through this vast open space. While the history of this former capital carries a touch of sentimentality, simply being here makes one feel lighthearted and refreshed.
Art Prints / ポスター販売
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