Kyoto City Profile

Kyoto, the capital from 794 to 1868, is the Japanese center for traditional culture. Many palaces and temples were built in Kyoto and preserved over the years. Kyoto was spared bombing attacks during World War II, so much of its pristine beauty still exists.

Today’s visitor will be met by a more westernized, modern, urban city center, but tradition still abounds. Kyoto has a fairly large foreign population and many English schools.

Population

1.47 million

Location

Southwest of Tokyo

Weather

Mild for most of the year; humid in summer, occasional snow in winter, wet in spring

Transportation

The shinkansen, or rapid express Japanese Railway (JR) train, can be taken to Kyoto from any major city. Inner-city transportation is by JR, Hankyu, subway, and buses.

Places of Interest

There are too many cultural attractions in Kyoto to fully list. Sights that are definite “must-sees” are Kinkakuji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji (Zen rock garden), Gosho (Kyoto Imperial Palace), and Higashi Honganji.