This historic park covers the Hoenzaka area in Osaka's Chuo Ward. In 1961, excavations by Osaka City University professor Dr. Tokutaro Yamane confirmed the existence of the ruins of Naniwa Palace, dating them to around the Asuka and Nara periods. At present, the area in and around the old palace is designated as a National Historic Site; totaling over 90,000m², it is maintained as a historical park. The ruins are shown in two different fashions. Using an elevated foundation constructed from stone, the first method shows visitors the Later Naniwa-no-Miya Palace, originally built in 726. The second method indicates the location of the Early Naniwa-no-Miya Palace through use of red tiles laid out a level below, showing the placement of pillars with red granite as it follows a hedge of sasanqua camellia. This first incarnation of the palace, called the Naniwa Nagara Toyosaki-no-miya, began construction in 650 following the relocation of the capital to Naniwa (old Osaka) as a result of the Taika Reforms of 645 and 646. Additionally, the site features a restored daigokuden (Imperial audience hall) at the north end of the park. Boasting a fabulous view of Osaka Castle, the daigokuden is thought to have been used by the emperor as a location to carry out official events of national importance.