Japan Is Rebuilding Its Ancient Capital

Ancient Civilizations

Japan Is Rebuilding Its Ancient Capital

Nara, once the heart of Japan’s first permanent capital, is undergoing a remarkable revival. After being buried under farmland for over a millennium, significant efforts are underway to reconstruct its ancient…

March 10, 2025 • 3 min read • Art Grindstone

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In This Report(6)

Nara, once the heart of Japan’s first permanent capital, is undergoing a remarkable revival. After being buried under farmland for over a millennium, significant efforts are underway to reconstruct its ancient structures, offering a glimpse into its glorious past.

Key Takeaways

Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital, founded in 710 AD.
The city was modeled after Tang Dynasty China, featuring a grid layout.
Many ancient structures are being meticulously restored using traditional methods.
The reconstruction projects aim to bridge the gap between past and present.

The Historical Significance of Nara

Nara, located east of Osaka and south of Kyoto, emerged as a thriving center of commerce and manufacturing in the 17th century. However, its roots trace back to the 8th century when it served as Japan’s first permanent capital, known as Heijō-kyō. This city was a massive planned urban center, housing between 100,000 to 200,000 inhabitants.

The city was designed based on the Tang Dynasty’s capital, Chang’an, featuring a rectangular layout with the Imperial Palace at its northern center. A grand avenue divided the city into two equal parts, known as the right and left capitals, from the emperor’s perspective.

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The Rise and Fall of Nara

Despite its grandeur, Nara’s prominence was short-lived. By the end of the 8th century, the court moved to Kyoto, leading to Nara’s decline. The once-bustling city fell into disrepair, with its palaces and markets replaced by rice fields. The temples, however, remained as isolated landmarks, preserving a part of Nara’s rich history.

Restoration Efforts

In recent decades, extensive restoration efforts have been initiated to revive Nara’s ancient glory. These projects began about 50 years ago and continue to this day, focusing on reconstructing significant buildings that have not been seen for over a millennium. The goal is to provide insights into this long-lost capital.

Notable Reconstruction Projects

Susu Gate: The main gate of the Imperial Palace, reconstructed using traditional materials, stands as a powerful display of authority.
Imperial Audience Hall (Dōdan): This was the largest and most important building in the palace, restored to its former glory in 2010, marking the 1300th anniversary of Nara’s founding.
East Palace Garden: Discovered in 1967, this garden has been recreated, showcasing the naturalistic features of Nara’s ancient landscape.