Nara Period Capital: Nara, Not Heian — Japan's First Permanent Seat

The question contains a common confusion. During the Nara period (710–794), the capital was Heijō-kyō — modern Nara. Heian-kyō (Kyoto) became capital in 794, launching the Heian period.

Nara Period (710–794)

• Capital: Heijō-kyō (Nara) — grid plan modeled on Tang Chang'an.
• Government: Ritsuryō centralized bureaucracy; Daijō-kan (Council of State).
• Religion: State Buddhism — Tōdai-ji (Daibutsu), Kōfuku-ji, Saidai-ji. Six Nara schools flourished.
• Culture: Kojiki (712), Nihon Shoki (720), Man'yōshū poetry.

Heian Period (794–1185)

• Capital: Heian-kyō (Kyoto) — moved to escape Buddhist political influence.
• Shift: Court culture, kana literature (Genji Monogatari), shoen estates, samurai rise.

Why the Mix-Up?

"Heian" means "peace/tranquility" — both capitals had "kyō" (capital) suffix. Heijō-kyō = Nara; Heian-kyō = Kyoto. One character apart, 84 years apart.