Nagaokakyo is a small city between Kyoto and Osaka, at the foot of the green Nishiyama hills. More than 1,200 years ago, it was the capital of Japan — Nagaoka-kyō (784–794) — before the capital moved to Kyoto. Today the city is famous for its bamboo groves and prized bamboo shoots, historic temples and shrines, and beautiful flowers in every season: azaleas in spring, hydrangeas in early summer, and maple leaves in autumn.
Highlights
FIVE PLACES TO VISIT
Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine長岡天満宮
A shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning. In late April the approach turns deep crimson with Kirishima azaleas. The large Hachijogaike Pond is lovely all year round. About 10 min on foot from Hankyu Nagaoka-tenjin Station.
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Komyo-ji Temple光明寺
The head temple of the Seizan branch of Jodo Buddhism. Its long approach lined with maple trees is beautiful in fresh green — and spectacular in autumn, when it becomes one of the Kyoto area's best-loved foliage spots.
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Yanagidani Kannon柳谷観音 楊谷寺
A mountain temple long visited for prayers for healthy eyes. Famous as a birthplace of hana-chozu — water basins filled with floating flowers — with hydrangeas in June and colorful maple leaves in autumn.
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Otokuni-dera Temple乙訓寺
One of the oldest temples in the area, connected with the great monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai). A quiet place for a peaceful visit away from the crowds.
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Shoryuji Castle Park勝竜寺城公園
A castle park connected with Hosokawa Gracia, one of the most famous women of samurai-era Japan, who came here as a bride in 1578. Free entry. About 10 min on foot from JR Nagaokakyo Station.
City website (Japanese)
Bamboo Country竹の里
Nagaokakyo is one of Japan's great bamboo areas. In spring (March–May), restaurants across the city serve dishes made with fresh local bamboo shoots — a delicacy you can only enjoy here in season.
Getting Here
ACCESS
JR Nagaokakyo StationJR 長岡京駅 and Hankyu Nagaoka-tenjin Station阪急 長岡天神駅 are separate stations, about a 15-minute walk apart (about 1.1 km). Please check which station is closer to where you are going before you set off.
See the walking route on Google Maps
From Kyoto
From Osaka
Hankyu Nishiyama-Tennozan Station (one stop from Nagaoka-tenjin) is also convenient for the southern part of the city.
Highway Buses
LONG-DISTANCE BUS
Kosoku Nagaokakyo Bus Stop高速長岡京
Hankyu Nishiyama-Tennozan Station connects directly to the Kosoku Nagaokakyo highway bus stop on the Kyoto-Jukan Expressway. Direct buses run to:
- Northern Kyoto — Miyazu, Amanohashidate, Mineyama, Amino, Taiza
- Tokyo area — Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Yokohama
- Nagano area — Suwa, Chino, Ina, Minowa
- Nagoya — Sakae, Kanayama, Nagoya Station
- Hiroshima — Hiroshima Station, Hatchobori
Timetables and reservations differ by operator. Our highway bus page (Japanese) links to the timetable for each destination and to every operator's booking site.
Tickets for Amanohashidate & Northern Kyoto
Tickets are not sold at the bus stop or at the tourist information center. Please book and pay online before you travel.
Book through Japan Bus Online, a reservation site for highway buses across Japan, available in English, 中文 and 한국어. Choose “Nagaokakyo, Kyoto Area” as your departure point.
Open Japan Bus Online japanbusonline.com
The link opens in a new tab.
If you do not have a reservation, you may be able to board only if seats are available. Please signal to the driver when the bus arrives and ask before boarding. Payment is cash only, and you will need the exact fare — the driver cannot give change.
Finding the Bus Stops
The bus stops sit on the expressway above the station — about a 1–2 minute walk from Nagaokakyo @Navi, the tourist information center inside Nishiyama-Tennozan Station. Westbound and eastbound stops are on opposite sides, so please check the direction before you set off.
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Tourist Information
INFORMATION OFFICES
Tourist Information Office — Hankyu Nagaoka-tenjin Station
1-1-2 Tenjin, Nagaokakyo / Tel. +81-75-951-4500 / Open 9:00–17:00 / Rental bicycles ¥500 per day
Open in Google MapsTourist Information Center — JR Nagaokakyo Station
Bambio Bldg. 1, 2F, 2-3-1 Kotari, Nagaokakyo / Tel. +81-75-958-4222 / Open 9:00–17:00
Open in Google MapsNagaokakyo @Navi — Hankyu Nishiyama-Tennozan Station
4-22 Tomooka, Nagaokakyo / Tel. +81-75-963-5511 / Open 9:00–16:00 (Jul–Oct, Dec–Mar), 9:00–17:00 (Apr–Jun, Nov) / Rental bicycles ¥500 per day
Open in Google MapsAll offices are closed on Wednesdays (open every day in April, May, June and November).
More Information
Latest news and event information (in Japanese): Japanese website
Instagram: @nagaokakyo_tourism
Nagaokakyo City official website: English / 中文 / 한국어 (automatic translation)
E-mail: info@nagaokakyo-kankou.jp