Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan. This city, which is a symbol of Japanese culture and tradition, is situated among the mountains of the western part of Honshu island. Kyoto is located in a beautiful valley that is surrounded on three sides by hills. The town was built so that its front part is the south side, and the main Imperial Palace – the north. Long kept Kyoto reputation of the most beautiful city in the country. For 1000 the early 8th century is the central location of the Japanese Empire. But apart from the ancient spirit embodied in many imperial palaces, old houses, temples and beautiful fruit trees, Kyoto is today a modern and fashionable city. About 1, 5 million people live here, yet keep the traditions of tea ceremonies. The very first impression of the city comes after you get off the station. Oklo you will raise the power of the growing city with minutes with modern glass skyscrapers. Once you approach and continue the walk among the beautiful temples and parks will immediately feel that there is a clash between modern life and ancient traditional Japanese style. This huge city is divided into 11 quarters in which you can visit hundreds of historical landmarks. Restaurants and nightlife are also level.
Mandatory Tour is here visiting the area known as Higashiyama. Here you can see Kiyomizudera temple that was built on a hill with steep slopes. Particularly attractive to visitors is its wooden playground, which hangs over the mountain. In the 8th century with the spread of Buddhism and his followers tried to interfere in government policy, the Emperor decided to move the capital away from the Buddhist influence.
Over 794 new capital is Heyankio. Later the city was renamed Kyoto remained the capital of Japan and moved to in 1868 in Edo (now Tokyo). During World War II, Kyoto was spared from the bombs of the Americans. Today he is the only major city in Japan, which still can be seen machine – traditional Japanese houses.
Source of information: Travelinos.com

Tags: anciant capitals, Honshu island, Japanese culture, Kyoto city

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