OTOKUNI

The FORGOTTEN CAPITAL

NAGAOKA-KYO (長岡京) was the capital of Japan from 784 to 794. This capital was located in the Otokuni District. Parts of the capital were in what is now called Nagaokakyo City and Muko City. Also making up the Otokuni District was Oyamazaki and Oharano, although these towns were not part of the capital. Some of the oldest tales in Japanese literature are said to have taken place in this area.

The capital was moved here from Nara by the Emperor Kanmu, as he wished to escape the powerful Buddhist clergy there. Situated along three rivers, the new capital was thought to be excellently poised to prosper into the future. Unfortunately this capital never really took off and it was once again moved to Heiankyo in Kyoto City after only ten years.

The exact motivation for the capital being moved after such a short time is often contended, but reasons often given include frequent flooding of the rivers that once seemed an attractive attribute of this location, disease caused by the flooding, stress within the royal family over the struggles of the new capital, and fears of evil spirits that seemed to haunt the emperor. Nevertheless, in modern times Otokuni is still a wonderful place to visit.

Remarkably, Otokuni is only about 15 minutes from Kyoto city on the JR Kyoto line and Hankyu Kyoto line. Out here in the suburbs and countryside nature overflows with the seasons and one can spend endless days exploring the boundless hidden treasures that are far away from the crowds in Kyoto City.

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