Kyoto became Japan’s capital as Heian-kyo in about 794. The Emperor lived there until 1868, and its old temples and shrines became a World Heritage site in 1994.
Capital from about 794World Heritage 1994
京都Kyoto
Old name
Heian-kyo
Emperor moved to Tokyo
1868
World Heritage
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities), 1994
Kyoto Prefecture area
4,612.09 km²
From the Japan Cultural Expo, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan.
The capital of Heian-kyo
In the Heian period, from about 794, the capital moved to Heian-kyo, today’s Kyoto.
In the Muromachi period, the shogun’s government also moved to Kyoto.
Where the Emperor lived
In the Kamakura, Muromachi, Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo periods, the Emperor was based in Kyoto.
Through the Edo period, Kyoto was the formal capital. In 1868 the Emperor moved to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo.
In 1868 Emperor Meiji made the vow of the Charter Oath at the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
World Heritage
In 1994, the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) became a cultural World Heritage site. The site is in Kyoto and Shiga prefectures.
Think about it
Q1Kyoto was the capital for more than 1,000 years. What would you expect to find there?
Q2The World Heritage site includes places outside Kyoto City. Why might that be?
Q3Has the capital of your country ever moved?
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — The World Heritage site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” also includes places in Uji and in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture.