Nagaoka-kyō

Overview

Nagaoka-kyō was the capital of Japan from 784 to 794, located in Otokuni District of Yamashiro Province. Its site spans the borders of the modern cities of Mukō, Nagaokakyō, and the Nishikyō-ku ward of Kyoto. The ruins of its palace, found in the Kaidecho neighbourhood of Mukō, have been designated a National Historic Site.

Highlights

• ●The palace ruins located in the Kaidecho neighbourhood of Mukō
• ●Its history as Japan's capital from 784 to 794
• ●Protection of the palace site as a National Historic Site
• ●A site spanning the modern cities of Mukō, Nagaokakyō, and the Nishikyō-ku ward of Kyoto

History

In 784, Emperor Kanmu, the 50th emperor, moved the capital from Heijō-kyō to Nagaoka-kyō. The city served as the capital until 794, when the seat of government was transferred to Heian-kyō. The palace ruins were later identified in the Kaidecho neighbourhood of Mukō and designated a National Historic Site in 1964, with the protected area expanded in 2016.

Map

34.9432, 135.7032 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Visit the palace ruins in the Kaidecho neighbourhood of Mukō
2. 2Walk the palace grounds designated as a National Historic Site
3. 3Take in the surrounding terrain across which the capital once spread
4. 4Reflect on the historical background of Nagaoka-kyō

Did you know?

💡 Nagaoka-kyō served as Japan's capital for only about a decade, from 784 to 794.

Nearby spots