Abstract
In Heian period "baba-dono", facility for spectators of horse racing was built in the imperial and regent palaces. The spacial characteristics and fanctions of "baba-dono" are analyzed in this paper. It is pointed out that "baba-dono" was established as a stage of state ceremony and conceived as a symbol of the imperial power in the imperial palace. As the political power was moved to the regent aristcrats, it was gradually introduced to their palaces, and was transformed to a space for the events of amusement.
