Which Is The Capital Of Japan, Kyoto Or Tokyo?

Tokyo is the capital of Japan. Even so, there is a reason why you might think it is Kyoto. After all, there was a time when Kyoto was the capital of Japan.

It sounds crazy, right? But it is true. In the present day, Tokyo is a bustling city that is a popular tourist destination. 

However, Tokyo has a very important relationship with Kyoto. The majority of people do not know the significance between these two cities.

For that reason, let’s take a look at the history behind Tokyo and Kyoto. We shall explain exactly why Kyoto gave up its capital city status to Tokyo. 

Why Was Kyoto The Capital Of Japan?

With place names such as Saikyo and Heian-kyo used in the past, Kyoto was once seen as the ‘area of the seat’ (or ‘the peace’) and the ‘Western capital’. 

It was also known as the imperial capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years. In fact, it is one of the country’s oldest cities. 

During the 8th century, Emperor Kammu was asked to move to Kyoto. It was not unknown for other rulers who followed to become established outside of the city. 

Despite this, Kyoto was always known as the main seat of the imperial court. However, this only lasted until the 19th century. The prominence of Kyoto being the administrative center began to slowly decrease.

This caused people to take action. This meant that Japan’s capital city was changed to Tokyo. 

Even so, in today’s Kyoto you are able to see the history that has been made. This is thanks to all the leaders who settled in Kyoto for a number of centuries. 

How Did The Oligarchy Influence?

The very last feudal-type military government in Japan was known as the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603 to 1868). Other names were Edo Bakufu and Tokugawa Bakufu. 

During their first years as a unit, they established their military style government in Tokyo. However, back then it was known as Edo. 

Over time, they became so powerful that they were considered to be more influential than the Emperor. This was despite the Emperor validating them at the beginning of their reign. 

A social and political revolution occurred called the Meiji Restoration. It was founded to help bring the Emperor to the forefront of both culture and politics.

In 1968 this finally ended the Tokugawa Shogunate reign.

The problem at this time was the fact that the Emperor Meiji was only 15. While he had been crowned to be the emperor, the oligarchs took control. 

The oligarchs were a group of members who considered themselves to be the ‘new ruling class’ of Japan. They founded to abolish the reign of Tokugawa Shogunate.

This meant that they decided to keep the influence and power of the country in Edo. Rather than going back to Kyoto, Edo had become a convenient area for trading to those in the west.

The new home of the Emperor was the Edo Castle. Over time, the name was finally changed too. Yes, you might have guessed it: Tokyo. However, it was also known as the ‘Eastern Capital’. 

How Has Tokyo Changed Over The Years?

During the Kamakura period (1185 to 1333), Edo was a village. It has been named after the Kanto region governor at the time, Edo Shienaga. 

Edo was a place that was great for sea and land routes, so the governor established his headquarters there. However, in 1603 the Tokugawa Shogunate established themselves in Edo.

The area was not ready for the incredible growth that followed. A castle was already in the area, so the Tokugawa Shogunate decided to build around the castle and plant their own routes in the area.

Soon enough, the area changed from a village to a city. By the 1700s, the area had experienced major economic growth and a shift in its cultural landscape. 

Because of the big change of Edo over the years, it became the de facto capital city during the reign of Tokugawa Shogunate. 

How Is Tokyo In Today’s World?

You might have realized by now that it was never an Emperor’s choice to change the capital city of Japan. However, at the point Edo became the capital city, it was the beginning of something new.

Technology such as telecommunications and automobiles were starting to rise across the globe.

A better access to western culture brought the likes of other architecture and fashion influences across to Japan.

During 1868, a petition was created by Sentaro Kitajima to change Edo to Tokyo. It was accepted, and has been called Tokyo ever since. 

But Is Tokyo Really The Capital Of Japan?

It is time to put down your cup of coffee and listen up. We don’t want you to spill it after hearing this next nugget of information!

Tokyo is known worldwide as the capital city of Japan. Even to local natives, Tokyo is the capital of their country. However, there are no laws that state that Tokyo is the official capital. 

Because of this, it is said to be a ‘de facto’ capital. This means that it holds the right to be the capital as a fact, but not by any legal rights. 

You are welcome to pick that cup of coffee back up. 

Final Thoughts

Some Japanese natives often say that both Tokyo and Kyoto are the capital cities. Tokyo is known as the ‘Western Capital’, and Kyoto is known as the ‘Eastern Capital’.

Even so, Tokyo is officially recognized as the capital of Japan today. It is difficult to imagine that Tokyo was once a village known as Edo.

Changing the capital of Japan to Tokyo from Kyoto left devastation behind for the latter. Resources and the like began to decline in Kyoto as Tokyo thrived and grew. 

Despite this, both cities are blossoming. Kyoto is a great symbol of historic Japan, while Tokyo is always about the future. It is always good to see the old with the new.