Suzaku Avenue

Traditionally the Imperial palace complex faces south, whilst Suzaku Avenue leads directly away from the main gate.

Suzaku Avenue was typically the central road within the city grid, and as a result, the widest.

The word "Suzaku" refers to the Guardian God of the South, who was said to appear in the form of a bird.

In Heian-kyō, present-day Kyoto, the Rajōmon (Rajōmon, Raseimon) was at the southern end of Suzaku Avenue, flanked on the east by the temple of Tō-ji, and on the west by the temple of Sai-ji, whilst at the northern end there was the main gate Suzakumon of Heian Palace.

Over time Suzaku Avenue stopped being the central street, due to the gradual abandonment of the west of the city.