長岡京

How quickly can a capital city be built? Standing here, amidst the remnants of Nagaoka-kyō, you might be surprised to learn that the grand palace before us was constructed in a mere six months. Emperor Kanmu, seeking to distance himself from the political quagmire of Nara, decreed the establishment of Nagaoka-kyō in 784 AD. This new capital, strategically positioned at the confluence of three major rivers, promised efficient water transportation for goods from all over Japan. Imagine the bustling river port of Yamazakitsu, southwest of Nagaoka-kyō, teeming with ships unloading their precious cargo. The city boasted advanced infrastructure for its time, with wells in almost every home and a sewage system that surpassed even the previous capital. But Nagaoka-kyō’s story is not just one of innovation and progress. Tragedy struck in the form of political assassinations, natural disasters, and untimely deaths. These events, attributed by some to a vengeful spirit, cast a shadow over the city. After just a decade, despite its impressive construction and meticulous planning, Nagaoka-kyō was abandoned in favor of Heian-kyō, present-day Kyoto. Yet, the ghost of this short-lived capital lingers, a reminder that even the grandest endeavors can be cut short by unforeseen circumstances.