Fujiwara-kyō

Ancient capital of Japan

Fujiwara kyō (藤原京) was the Imperial capital of Japan for sixteen years, between 694 and 710. It was located in Yamato Province (present day Kashihara in Nara Prefecture), having been moved from nearby Asuka. However, the name itself was never used in the Nihon Shoki; during those times it was recorded as Aramashi kyō (新益京). As of 2006, ongoing excavations have revealed construction on the site of Fujiwara kyō as early as 682, near the end of the reign of Emperor Tenmu. With a brief halt upon Emperor Tenmu's death, construction resumed under Empress Jitō, who officially moved the capital in 694. Fujiwara kyō remained the capital for the reigns of Emperor Monmu and Empress Genmei, but in 710 the Imperial court moved to the Heijō Palace in Nara, beginning the Nara period.

The earthen platform of the Daigokuden of Fujiwara Palace remains, and the surrounding area has been developed into a historical site park. Approximately 60% of the Fujiwara Palace site has been designated as a Special Historic Site of Japan, and excavations of the Fujiwara Palace are still ongoing. In January 2007, the Japanese government included "Asuka Fujiwara: Archaeological Sites of Japan's Ancient Capitals and Related Properties" on the tentative list, which is a prerequisite for World Heritage registration. Since 2006, with the cooperation of the Asuka Fujiwara Site Development Cooperation Committee comprising five neighboring towns (Daigo cho, Kinomoto cho, Nawate cho, Bessho cho, and Takadono cho), the Fujiwara Palace Site Flower Garden Planting Project has been carried out to raise awareness of the Fujiwara Palace site among a wider audience. In spring, approximately 2.5 million Nanohana blossoms are planted on about 20,000 square meters. In summer, about 1 million yellow cosmos flowers are planted on approximately 7,000 square meters, along with 11 varieties of lotus on around 3,000 square meters. In autumn, about 3 million cosmos flowers are planted on approximately 30,000 square meters.