Kyōto

Overview

Kyoto is a historic city in Japan's Kinki region, with its origins in Heian-kyo, established in 794. From then until the capital moved to Tokyo in 1869, it remained the political and cultural heart of Japan for well over a thousand years. Bearing a name that means capital city, Kyoto is counted among the Santo, or three great capitals, alongside Osaka and Tokyo, and it still draws travelers from around the world as one of Japan's foremost windows onto its culture.

Highlights

• ●A thousand-year capital rooted in Heian-kyo, established in 794
• ●Its history as Japan's political and cultural center until 1869
• ●Its standing as one of the three great capitals, with Osaka and Tokyo
• ●The mood of an ancient capital that shifts with the seasons

History

Kyoto's history reaches back to Heian-kyo, built in the 8th century and designated the capital of Japan in 794. From the classical through the early modern period it grew as a hub of politics and culture, and it remained the capital until the move to Tokyo in 1869. While Nara, the former Heijo-kyo, was called the southern capital, Kyoto was at first also known as the northern capital, and in time the name Kyoto was handed down as its own.

Map

35.0111, 135.7669 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Enter central Kyoto and take in how the city came to be
2. 2Walk the streets that carry the history stretching back to Heian-kyo
3. 3Soak up the atmosphere of the old capital while enjoying the seasonal scenery
4. 4Close the visit with Kyoto's appeal as a window onto culture in mind

Did you know?

💡 When the capital was first established, Kyoto was also called the northern capital in contrast to Nara to the south, which was known as the southern capital. Over the centuries it went by many names, and that layered history speaks to the thousand-year weight the city carries.

Nearby spots