Suzaku Avenue

Nihongo|Suzaku Avenue or Suzaku Boulevard|朱雀大路|Suzaku Ōji was a street in ancient Japanese capital. In the center of grid pattern planned according to the Chinese tradition, it was the name given to the central avenue leading to the Imperial palace from the south. As per the Chinese tradition, the palace complex usually faces south, the Suzaku Avenue thus leads straight up to the main palace gate, making it generally the widest street in the capital. Fujiwara-kyō, Heijō-kyō, Heian-kyō had their own Suzaku Avenue.

Route

In Heian-kyō, present Kyoto, south end was the Rashōmon (Rajōmon, Raseimon) and northern end was the main gate of the Heian Palace. This street became, however, off the city center soon, due to abandonment of west part of the city. Until Meiji period, the street was the west boundary of the town. Presently it is still a major street named Nihongo|Senbon Street or Senbon Avenue|千本通|Senbon Dōri, and once served as a route for tram.

The word "Suzaku", refers to the guardian god of the south, who was said to appear in the form of a bird.