An important distinction to make with regard to the history of power in Japan is that involving the seat of the government versus the location of the imperial family. This is especially important in the case of Kyoto. From 794 to 1868, Kyoto was home to the emperor. However, for two periods during that time, the actual governing power was located elsewhere - in Kamakura 1185-1333 and in Edo (now Tokyo) 1600-1867. In 1868, the imperial court was brought to Tokyo, and it has been there since. Though the imperial court has often functioned only symbolically as the leader of Japan, it is responsible for Kyoto's becoming the cultural capital. Even now, in a city of 1.4 million people, there are 2000+ temples, 17 UNESCO World Sites, 24 museums and 37 colleges and universities (Lonely Planet Japan).

Lodging & Neighborhood:

Yoshiima Ryokan	Shinmonzen Street	Hanami-koji Street	Gion/Kawaramachi District
Kyoto Craft Center	Nishiki Food Market	Yasaka Shrine (Japanese Only)	Gion Corner
Kyoto Centnovum Hotel	Kyoto Station

Some Attractions:

Costume Museum	Fureai-kan, Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts	Ginkaku-ji Shrine	Heian Shrine
Imperial Palace (Gosho)	Kinkaku-ji Temple	Kiyomizu Temple	Kyoto Handiraft Center
Nanzen-ji Temple	Nijo Castle	Nishi-hongan-ji Temple	Philosopher's Path
Ryoan-ji Temple	To-ji Temple

Ohara District
Jakko-in Convent	Sanzen-in Temple

Sagano/Arashiyama District
Daikaku-ji Temple (Japanese Only)	Gio-ji Temple	Nonomiya Shrine	Rakushi-sha
Takiguchi Temple	Tenryu-ji Temple

Uji District
Byodo-in Temple	Tale of Genji Museum

Additional Resources:
Japan National Tourist Organization

Recommended Courses: Literary & People Courses (select subcategory and click on search)
Kyoto Sightseeing Guide (by Kyoto Tourism Federation)
Kyoto Visitor's Guide
Kyoto Restaurant Project
Gourmet Navigator-Kyoto

Tour Highlights Main | Study Tour 2003 Home

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Last updated: 05/13/03
URL: http://www.indiana.edu/~easc/study_tour/2003/accepted
Comments: easc@indiana.edu
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