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Kyoto Japan

INTRODUCTION

Kyoto is located on Honshû Island. Although this city has seen a lot of natural disasters and wars it has maintained relatively well. Kyoto is filled with Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and beautiful landscapes. Enjoy this city by exploring it on bike, a common form of transportation.

HISTORY

Kyoto has a long history, dating back to the 6th century, when it was known as Heian-kyo. In the late 700s, the city became the capital, when Emperor Kammu sought to escape the growing influence of the powerful Buddhist clergy. Heian-kyo was made the capital in 794, and would remain so until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Even today, in the absence of any legal documentation establishing Tokyo as the capital, many residents consider Kyoto the capital.

Heian-kyo was also the home of the Imperial family, a claim the modern day Kyoto still enjoys. Heian-kyo became the center for the emerging nobility. As such it quickly became the nation’s premier destination for arts, culture and commerce. Trade with China saw the influence of products such as fine Chinese silks draw as much attention as literature and philosophy. Heian-kyo became known for the lavish attire worn by the Imperial family and their retainers at court.

Political life was heavily influenced by the Tang Dynasty of China, and would remain so until the samurai came to power under Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1185. Heian-kyo was renamed Kyoto, meaning capital city, in the 10th century. Cultural efforts saw the development of military arts tempered with calligraphy and crafts. Their rule would last almost 150 years.

In 1333, the Minamoto shogunate was been replaced by the Ashikaga shogunate. The effectiveness of military rule, however, had lost much of its hold on the nation. Power became decentralized, which was a dramatic change from the Kamakura based Minamoto rule. Many country lords joined their new found power and rose against the shogunate.

Imperial efforts in Kyoto instigated a return to tradition, known as the Kemmu Restoration. The samurai class began to loose political influence, leading once again to war between the military class and the nobility. Go-Daigo fled the dangerous Kyoto for protection under the warrior monks of Mt. Hiei, north of the city, and attempted to negotiate with the Ashikaga leaders.

All efforts failed, and a new emperor was backed by the Ashikaga. The result divided the country. The northern supported Emperor Komyo clashed violently with the southern supporters of Emperor Go-Daigo. Prominent members of the shogunate, however, eventually sided with the former emperor, and go-Daigo returned to Kyoto.

The conflict would continue to escalate, culminating in the Onin War, fought between 1467 and 1477. By the 1470s, the city had fallen into chaos. Constant war between rival samurai clans led to a dramatic increase in violent crime, and several areas of the city were burnt to the ground. Many mansions were renovated to security, adding trenches and heavily fortified walls, much of which survives to this day.

As the military class regained its influence, life in Kyoto began to settle down. The Ashikaga clan secured power, but the city was largely governed by the Hosokawa clan. By the middle of the 16th century, the nation had fallen into chaos once again. The battle for control over Japan occasionally came to Kyoto, but was largely fought in the provinces.

The Sengoku period came to a close in the early years of the 1600s, when Tokugawa Ieyasu defeated the Toyotomi clan and founded the Tokugawa shogunate to rule from Edo.

In 1603, Tokugawa Ieyasu built a private residence for Tokugawa shoguns known as Nijo Castle. The castle is famous for its unique design, making use of no nails but employing floorboards designed to mimic the call of the nightingale when walked upon.

In the absence of political power, life in Kyoto became a cultural Mecca that continues to influence the nation. New forms of cloth dyeing, poetry and pottery were developed, and the now famous tea ceremony was formalized.

By the turn of the 20th century, Kyoto had become a city looking to the future. The city already made extensive use of electric power and hydroelectric power from a man made canal. Kyoto would also install Japan’s first street lamps and build the nation’s first movie house.

Kyoto was very nearly destroyed during the air bombings of the Second World War. The nature of city life, however, spared the city and Kyoto was removed from the air strike list.

Over the remaining decades, Kyoto would gain international attention and became a world leader in commerce and tourism.

In 1994, Kyoto celebrated the 1200th anniversary of the founding of the Heian-kyo capital.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Climate: The temperatue ranges from 12°C to 20°C (50°F to 70°F). The humidity can be quite high, making the fall the most popular time for travel to the area.

Currency: yen

Languages: Japanese

Power: 100 V, 50 Hz and 60 Hz

Time Zone: UTC/GMT +9 hours

Arriving: For vistors not driving in Japan, there are two main ways to reach Kyoto. Japan Rail Lines offers regular service to and from Kyoto Station, the transportation hub for the entire city. Kansai International Airport, outside of Osaka, is the main airport serving the capital. Transit between the airport and Kyoto can be arranged and paid for at Kansai International as needed. The Japan Rail Super Express train takes a little more than an hour, at a cost of around 3500 yen fora reserved seat. Regular train service is less expensive but may take up to 2 hours to arrive.

Transportation: While the official language is Japanese, most attendants speak enough English to help out when needed. Free tourist maps include both Kanji and English writing. Major train stations also have well informed multilingual help desks. Public transit is relatively inexpensive. Unlike Tokyo, fares arefor single trip rather than by distance, at about 220 yen per trip. If relying on public transit, visitors might consider purchasing a full day pass for around 500 yen, which offers unlimited trips for one day. Fortunately, the city is laid out in a simple grid, making navigation easy.

Tourist Information Centers: Kyoto Tourist Information: JR Kyoto Station Building, 9th Floor Kyoto City Tourist Information: JR Kyoto Station Building, 2nd Floor City Tourist Association Visitor Information Center: In front of the Heian-jingu Shrine

ATTRACTIONS

Kyoto’s long history has provided a wealth of attractions, many of them historic and world heritage sites.

RESTAURANTS

LODGING