Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine

Nagaoka Tenmangu is a Tenmangu shrine in Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane. Nagaoka has a connection to Michizane: he is said to have visited the area during his lifetime together with figures such as Ariwara no Narihira, and when he was exiled to Dazaifu he stopped here and lamented, ‘My spirit shall remain in this place for a long time.’ Because of this episode, it is also called ‘Mikaeri Tenjin’ (the ‘looking-back’ Tenjin). The shrine is said to have begun when a wooden statue carved by Michizane himself was enshrined here, and it has long enjoyed deep reverence from the Imperial family. Walking west from Hankyu Nagaoka-Tenjin Station (with the station behind you), you will see the grand Hachijo-ga-ike Pond and, on the bridge, the main torii gate straight ahead. This stone torii—9.75 m tall and 50 tons—was dedicated in 2002 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of Michizane’s death. On the roughly 20,000-tsubo grounds, Kirishima azaleas estimated to be about 130 years old bloom around late April, turning the area a deep crimson. Autumn foliage is also beautiful, with the golden leaves of a giant ginkgo and the red of maples creating a striking contrast. Free classical concerts beloved by locals are held in April (“Kirishima Concert”) and August (“Yoimiya Concert”).