Kyoto, Japan’s Imperial capital for over a thousand years, is still known as the “Heart of Japan” despite Tokyo’s claim to the title of the country’s capital.
Kyoto is the third largest and oldest city in Japan. It was formed as Heian in 794 its golden period from 794 until 1185, when the court was at its peak.
Kyoto is considered the centre of Japan because of its numerous cultural monuments and historical attractions.
Kyoto has amassed a wealth of treasures, including 1600 shrines and 17 heritage sites.
Several Japanese shogunates have risen and fallen in the city’s history, as well as the development of some of the country’s most notable shrines and temples.
Kyoto’s past has been preserved and provides insight about traditional Japanese culture.
Many of Japan’s cultural arts got their start here, and they can still be enjoyed today.
Although little is known about these early peoples, archaeological evidence implies humans were prevalent in Kyoto as soon as the Paleolithic period.
The famed Shimogamo Shrine, one of Japan’s earliest Shinto shrines, is thought to have been built around the 6th century.
The eighth century was called Nara, during which Heij-ky (now Nara) served as Japan’s capital.
Village-based Japanese civilization was centred on farming and a faith that revered the spirits referred to as kami.
Emperor Kanmu changed the capital city to Heian-ky, which subsequently became known as Kyoto, in 794.
This started the period of Heian, which lasted until the fifth century.
Period Of Kamukura: 1185-1333
The five-year Genpei War between Minamoto and Taira factions brought the Heian Period to an end and the Kamakura Period (see also ‘When Samurai Ruled Japan: The Kamakura Period Explained‘) to a start when Minamoto won the fight of Dan-no-ura.
Kinkaku-ji, the famous Temple of Golden Pavilion, was built during this time period.
Hosokawa Katsumoto also designed the beautiful Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji temple.
After an era of instability during which Kyoto was repeatedly destroyed, the once separate Northern and Southern administrations were unified in 1392.
The ten-year Civil War was sparked by famine, economic suffering, and a succession issue.
Unfortunately, the battle destroyed many of Kyoto’s historic treasures.
Period Of Azuchi-Momoyama: 1573-1603
Oda Nobunaga overthrew Muromachi bakufu and took control of all of Japan in 1573, bringing the Muromachi Shogunate to an end.
In 1600, the Combat of Sekigahara took place, in which 40,000 soldiers died in a battle between Tokugawa Ieyasu’s army and their opponents.
Tokugawa Ieyasu became shogun of Japan after his victory, founding the Tokugawa Shogunate, which lasted until 1868. The Edo period came to be called as such.
Period Of Edo: 1603-1868
This golden period brought around 250 years of peace and stability to Japan.
Cities like Kyoto thrived, with substantial population expansions, improved transit facilities, and increased agricultural production.
Japan had become a closed country by drastically restricting trade with the rest of the world and expelling foreigners.
Christianity was forbidden, and Japanese citizens were barred from leaving the country.
Matsuo Bash became known as the master of Haiku poetry, and the era saw the birth of competitive sumo wrestling and modern-day sushi.
During this time, the city was also damaged by numerous large fires, such As the fire of Great Tenmei, which erupted inside the Kyoto Palace during 1788.
The city was enveloped in flames for the most part, and several shrines, temples, and other structures were destroyed.
Period Of Meiji: 1868-1912
Japan began its integration of Western civilization during the Meiji Period, and the Emperor relocated their empire capital from Kyoto toward Tokyo.
Telecommunication links were built, and locomotives were put into service.
When Japan created a cabinet government system, Ito Hirobumi became Japan’s first prime minister, and his dress and style grew more westernised.
Kyoto Prefecture was established during 1871, with Kyoto as the capital.
The construction of Lake Biwa Canal coincided with the establishment of Maruyama Park, which is now a popular cherry blossom viewing area.
The Heian-Jingu Temple was built around the late 19th century, and the Jidai-matsuri festival (see also ‘A Brief History Of Yokote Kamakura Festival‘) was established to commemorate Kyoto’s founding and history.
Modern Day Kyoto
Kyoto was one of very few Japanese cities spared bombardment during WWII, but modernization threatens to obliterate historic structures in favour of newer building.
Ancient customs, on the other hand, appear to be clinging to life and coexisting well with modernity.
Large foreign brand hotels, as well as traditional Japanese lodgings known as ryokans, rise over the city.
The city is well-kept, has modern facilities, and has an excellent transportation system.
It’s a city where you can have a variety of authentic Japanese experiences while yet having access to all of the modern comforts.
Kyoto is described as “majestic and delicate,” “friendly and bold,” “deceitful and compassionate,” “haunting and calm,” “contemporary and classic,” “simple and ritual.”
It is known as a lucky city since it has been spared from all bombings. Kyoto showcases Japanese culture with its mediaeval spirit in a modern city.
Final Thoughts
Kyoto has a long history dating back to the eighth century.
The city was created as Japan’s capital at the time, and the Imperial Court resided there until 1868, when it relocated to Tokyo.
Although it is no longer the country’s capital, it remains the prefectural capital and is superior to Tokyo (see also ‘Why Is Tokyo Called Tokyo?‘) in terms of historical landmarks, relics, and monuments.
It attracts millions of domestic and foreign tourists each year because many areas have managed to keep a wonderful traditional feel.
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
