'Daigokuden' was the place where the Kanmu Emperor had his court. 'Shouanden' means the back of the Daidgokuden building. It is sometimes also referred to as the 'Kouden'.
The ruins were designated as a National historic site in 1964 and is now opened to the citizens as Daigokuden Park. The Daigokuden Festival' is held here on 11th November every year in memory of the relocation of the Nagaoka kyo.