An 18-meter tall 'East Tower' has been completed at the historic site of Heijō Palace in Nara, Japan, marking a significant restoration of this ancient structure from the Nara period.
On April 14, a completion ceremony was held for the 'East Tower,' which stands 18 meters tall and has been restored to resemble its original form during the Nara period. The tower is located to the east of the Great Hall of State in the Heijō Palace ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Nara City. Historical excavations suggest that the 'East Tower' was constructed around 730 AD, alongside the western tower, rather than during the formation of the capital in 710 AD, highlighting its historical significance within the architectural landscape of early Japanese governance.
The restoration project was managed by the Kansai Regional Development Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, which had previously restored the Great Gate in 2022. The 'East Tower' was rebuilt using 16 cedar trees, estimated to be 200 to 300 years old, sourced from the Kii mountain range to support the roof. According to the record 'Shoku Nihon-gi,' it is documented that Emperor Shōmu hosted a banquet with his court at a similar structure, known as the 'South Tower,' during New Year celebrations in 736 AD, underscoring the cultural and governmental importance of these towers in the ancient capital's ceremonial life.
With the completion of the 'East Tower,' plans have already been announced for its general public opening, alongside the Great Gate, and future developmental efforts to begin groundwork for connecting corridors and restoring the 'West Tower.' Officials, including Nara Governor Shinta Yamashita and Nara City Mayor Gen Nakagawa, participated in the ceremony, emphasizing a commitment to ongoing restoration efforts that aim to preserve and relay the historical essence of the Heijō Palace to future generations.
