Heijo-kyo was the capital of Japan during the Nara period, from 710 to 794 AD. Located in present-day Nara, it was designed based on the principles of Chinese urban planning, featuring a grid layout and large public spaces. The city served as a cultural and political center, fostering the development of Buddhism and the arts. The city was home to significant structures, including the Todai-ji temple, which housed a giant bronze Buddha statue. Although Heijo-kyo was abandoned when the capital moved to Kyoto, its historical significance remains, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting visitors interested in Japan's ancient history.