MieLeisure

Saiku Heian no Mori

Flow of the course

About 60 min here

About 10 min to the next stop

Next stop: A hands-on facility where you can feel Heian games and costumes

About this spot

In one corner of the Saiku Site, a national historic site spreading across Meiwa Town, this outdoor area holds reconstructed Heian-period government buildings. Full-scale structures let you feel that the Saio princess, who served Ise Grand Shrine in place of the emperor, and the offices that supported her life were once located here. The surroundings are open grassland with wide views, giving children the freedom to run around as much as they like. There are hours when you can go inside the buildings and examine the texture of the pillars and floors up close, a valuable experience. Since you can walk freely outdoors, it is just right as a first stop of the day.

Tips

Viewing is free, and the outdoor area is open to walk around freely. Check the local signage for the hours when the building interiors are open. There is little shade, so a hat and drinks are essential. Kintetsu Saiku Station (斎宮駅) is right nearby, so you can also do this course by train.