In 2010, Nara is celebrating its 1300th anniversary!
In ancient times, Japan's Imperial Palace would move with the ascension of every new Emperor. This tradition was discontinued in 710, when Heijo, present day Nara, was selected as the site of the country's first permanent capital. Despite the intentions to make it permanent, Heijo-kyo (Nara Capital) lasted less than a century. Because the city's large temples exerted too much political influence, the capital was eventually moved to Nagaoka in 784 and then to Kyoto in 794.
On the 1300th anniversary of Heijo-kyo, some major reconstruction works have been carried out on the former grounds of Heijo Palace, and various special events will be held. Anniversary related events started from January 1, 2010, but the celebration will not be in full swing until April 24, when the main venue is opened on the former grounds of the Heijo Palace.
Reconstruction of historic buildings
After the capital had been moved out of Nara, the palace structures were moved or abandoned, and within a relatively short time period there was little evidence left of the area's glorious past. For the following millennium, the former palace grounds were mainly used as rice fields until major excavation works were started in the 1950s.
In 1998, the South Gate and the East Garden of the former palace grounds were reconstructed and opened to the public. And for the big anniversary in 2010, the former Imperial Audience Hall has been reconstructed and will be opened to the public in April. The palace grounds will serve as the main venue of the celebrations.
Apart from the palace grounds, some of Nara's major temples have been engaging in renovation and reconstruction projects as well. In time for the anniversary, Toshodaiji Temple, southwest of central Nara, finished the extensive renovation of its main hall, which lasted for almost a decade. And Kofukuji Temple in the city center has completed excavation works and the construction of the foundation for the reconstruction of its main hall, which had been lost in the past (to be completed in 2015).
Events
The main celebrations and events will be carried out from April 24 to November 7, 2010 on the former grounds of Heijo Palace. Among the announced events and attractions are exhibitions on the history of Nara, a life-size replica of a ship used for diplomatic relations with the Asian mainland, parades, hand-on experience opportunities and music and light shows.
The events and reconstructions surrounding the anniversary create an additional reason to visit Nara in 2010, besides the city's regular historic sights and annual events. Some events will also be held in other locations of Nara Prefecture, the cradle of Japanese civilization, such as in the lesser known towns of
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