헤이조쿄, or Heijō-kyō, was the capital of Japan during the Nara period, from 710 to 794 AD. Located in present-day Nara Prefecture, it was designed based on the principles of Chinese urban planning. The city featured a grid layout, with important buildings like the Nara National Museum and Todai-ji temple, which housed a giant Buddha statue. The establishment of 헤이조쿄 marked a significant shift in Japanese history, as it was the first permanent capital. This period saw the flourishing of culture, religion, and art, influencing later developments in Japanese society. The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting its historical importance.