Enryaku

Enryaku was a Japanese era name used from 782 to 806 during the reign of Emperor Kanmu. Its opening marked the start of Kanmu’s rule after the transfer of Japan’s capital to Nagaoka.

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Heian-kyō: The Japanese capital established by Emperor Kanmu in 794 at the site of present-day Kyoto. Kanmu founded this capital during Enryaku, and it remained Japan’s seat of government for centuries.
Japanese era name: A year-numbering system in Japan that assigns each year to a named era. Enryaku is one instance of this system, whose eras structure Japanese historical dates.
Emperor Kōnin: The Japanese emperor who reigned from 770 to 781 before his son Kanmu succeeded him. His death preceded Kanmu’s accession and the adoption of the Enryaku era name.
Transfer of the capital to Heian-kyō: The relocation of Japan’s imperial court to Heian-kyō in 794 under Emperor Kanmu. This decisive event occurred within Enryaku and gave the era a lasting association with Kyoto.
Nagaoka-kyō: A Japanese capital established by Emperor Kanmu in 784 and abandoned in 794. The court moved here during Enryaku before relocating to Heian-kyō.
Emperor Kanmu: The fiftieth emperor of Japan, who reigned from 781 to 806 and initiated major capital and administrative reforms. His accession and reign provide the political frame for the Enryaku era.
Emperor Shirakabe: The personal name of Emperor Kōnin, who ascended the throne late in life after a succession crisis. His unexpected accession set the dynastic circumstances inherited by Kanmu.
Enryaku-ji: A Tendai Buddhist monastery founded on Mount Hiei near Kyoto in 788. Founded during the era, the monastery became a major religious and political institution.
Nagaoka-kyō construction: The building project that created Nagaoka-kyō as Japan’s capital in the eighth century. Its immense demands and setbacks shaped the decade between the capital’s founding and abandonment.
Japanese calendar: The system of calendars used in Japan, including traditional lunisolar reckoning and modern Gregorian dating. Enryaku years belong to traditional Japanese dating, which does not align exactly with Gregorian years.