In 710, Empress Genmei moved the capital from Fujiwara-kyō to Heijō-kyō (modern Nara), a vast planned city modeled on Tang China's Chang'an. During the Nara period (710-794), the capital flourished as Japan's political, cultural, and religious center. Tōdai-ji, Hōryū-ji, and Kōfuku-ji were built; the Man'yōshū anthology was compiled; and the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki chronicles were compiled. Heijō-kyō was also the eastern terminus of the Silk Road.

The aristocratic culture of the 8th-century Nara period, peaking under Emperor Shōmu. Based on High Tang culture and state Buddhism, it established a cosmopolitan style. Masterpieces include the Tōdai-ji Great Buddha (Vairocana, consecrated 752), Kōfuku-ji's Ashura statue, Tōshōdai-ji founded by Ganjin (who crossed from Tang on his 6th attempt), and the Shōsō-in treasures including Persian and Central Asian artifacts. Literary achievements include the Kojiki (712), Nihon Shoki (720), Fudoki, Kaifūsō, and the "Man'yōshū" (ca. 4,500 poems) compiled by Ōtomo no Yakamochi. A hub where East and West converged.

Vigorous, realistic culture of the 12th-13th centuries accompanying samurai rule. Fused aristocratic tradition, warrior simplicity, and new Song-Yuan influences. Unkei and Kaikei of the Kei school created the Tōdai-ji Niō guardians (1203) and Kōfuku-ji statues. Architecture introduced Daibutsu-yō and Zen styles. Kamakura New Buddhism (Hōnen, Shinran, Ippen, Eisai, Dōgen, Nichiren) spread to commoners. Literary masterpieces include the "Tale of the Heike," the three great essay collections (Hōjōki, Tsurezuregusa), and the "Shin Kokin Wakashū" (1205, Fujiwara no Teika).