10 Inspiring Places in Western Kyoto: Bamboo Groves, Temples, and History

Nagaokakyo served as Japan’s capital for ten years during the rule of Emperor Kanmu (reigned 781-806). The foundation and remains of Nagaoka Palace (Nagaokakyu) have been discovered in what is today Muko City.

Just ten years after it was established, the capital was changed to Heian-kyo, present-day Kyoto City, because of a curse. In Daikokuden Park, visitors can see the remains of the Imperial Audience Hall (Daikokuden).

The best way to enjoy your visit here is to use AR Nagaokakyu, an augmented reality app that shows how the palace buildings used to look, more than 1,200 years ago. You can either download the app on your smartphone or borrow a tablet from the office of Chodoin Park. After turning the app on, hold your device toward the park and the former structures will appear on the screen.

Visitors can also rent Nagaoka-period attire and take photos of themselves using the virtual backgrounds offered by the AR Nagaokakyu app.

The Nagaokakyu Daikokuden Park is lovely to visit in spring when its many sakura trees are in bloom. Also, if you visit on November 11, you can enjoy a ceremony held in remembrance of the ancient Nagaokakyo capital.

Nagaokakyo Station, located in the heart of Nagaokakyo City, is an 11 minute train ride from Kyoto Station. This city stands on the area that used to be the residential district of the Nagaokakyo capital (784-794). Home to some of the most famous sightseeing spots in the suburbs of Kyoto, such as Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine and Komyoji Temple, Nagaokakyo is an excellent day trip destination.

Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane (845-903), who is worshiped here as the god of study and learning. The shrine receives thousands of visitors at New Year’s holidays and during the exam periods. when students come to pray for good results.

In February, the season of plum blossoms, as well as in March and April when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, this shrine offers splendid views. The garden at the entrance to the shrine grounds is also a famous fall foliage viewing spot, ablaze with the reds and oranges of maple leaves around late November.

The extensive shrine grounds of Nagaoka Tenmangu include the Hachijogaike pond. This area is particularly picturesque around the end of April, when the thousands of azaleas growing here are in bloom.

At Kinsuitei, a traditional Japanese restaurant by the pond, visitors can enjoy a refined, full course menu that includes bamboo shoots, the specialty of Otokuni.

Komyoji was established in the twelfth century by Kumagai Jiro Naozane, a disciple of Pure Land Buddhism. This temple is associated with the origins of Pure Land Buddhism, a sect that retains a large following among the Japanese population today.

The main hall can be visited free of charge. Its impressive interior will make you want to stop for a few minutes and contemplate in front of the altar in silence. Please note that photography is not allowed.

Komyoji is located on the mountainside, and its grounds are full of beautiful natural scenery.

Hundreds of maple trees line the path toward the main hall. In the summer, their leaves catch the sunlight in a mesmerizing green filter, and it’s very pleasant to take a walk under their cool shade.

The scenery changes dramatically in the fall, when the maple leaves turn red. Many people travel here to view this magnificent vermilion spectacle.

Komyoji Temple can be reached in about 20 minutes via local bus from JR Nagaokakyo Station or Hankyu Nagaoka Tenjin Station.