Heian-kyō
Imperial capital of Japan from 794 to 1869
About
Heian-kyō (平安京; lit. 'peaceful/tranquil capital') was the imperial capital of Japan established by Emperor Kanmu in 794 in what is now Kyoto. It remained the seat of the Imperial Court for most of the following millennium. Japanese historical reference works treat it as formally remaining the capital until the Imperial Court and central government moved to Tokyo in 1869.
Heian-kyō was a planned rectangular city laid out on a grid based on the planning principles of Chinese imperial capitals, particularly Chang'an (modern Xi'an), the capital of Tang dynasty China. The Daidairi, containing the imperial palace and principal government offices, occupied the northern center of the city, while Suzaku-ōji formed its principal north–south axis.
Nearby
More to see within walking distance
Honnō-ji Incident
1582 attempted assassination of Oda Nobunaga
1.1 mi away
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Former ruling palace of the Emperor of Japan
1.4 mi away
Kyoto Prefecture
Prefecture of Japan
0.9 mi away
Heian Palace
Original imperial palace of Heian-kyō, the capital of Japan
0.3 mi away
Nijō Castle
Castle in Kyoto, Japan
0.5 mi away
Kyoto University of Foreign Studies
Foreign language university in Kyoto, Japan
1.4 mi awayPlaces to eat nearby
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Tickets & tours
Tickets and tours for Heian-kyō
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