The Nara period of the history of Japan covers the years from 710 to 794. Empress Genmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō. Except for a five-year period (740–745), when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kanmu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784, before moving to Heian-kyō, modern Kyoto, a decade later in 794.
Tōdai-ji temple, founded in 738 and located in the city of Nara
The primary building, i.e. the Daigoku-den at the Heijō Palace (In the center of the photograph: this is a modern version built for the 1300th anniversary of Nara becoming Japan's capital). Tōdai-ji's Daibutsuden and Wakakusayama can be seen in the rear (January, 2010).
Shōsōin
The East Pagoda of Yakushi-ji temple was built in 730, during the Nara period
Empress Genmei , also known as Empress Genmyō, was the 43rd monarch of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Genmei's reign spanned the years 707 through 715.
Empress Genmei
Wadōkaichin monument in Saitama
Daigokuden of Heijō-kyō at the time of capital move (reconstructed in 2010)