Kyoto Prefecture | The Well of Japanese Culture, Woven Over a Thousand Years

Kyoto Prefecture has flourished as the cultural and historical heart of Japan ever since the capital was moved to Heian-kyo in 794.
As a spiritual center of both Buddhism and Shinto, and a birthplace of literature, art, architecture, cuisine, and craftsmanship, Kyoto has shaped the very foundation of Japanese culture.

In the southern part of the prefecture, centered around Kyoto City, historic landmarks such as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), and Kiyomizu-dera Temple still stand today. These structures are more than tourist sites—they embody the Japanese sense of aesthetics and spiritual depth passed down through the ages.

Culture is not confined to museums or events; it is part of daily life. The presence of maiko (apprentice geisha), the ritual of tea ceremony, the charm of traditional wooden townhouses (kyō-machiya), and the elegance of Kyoto cuisine are all expressions of living tradition interwoven with everyday life.

In the northern Tango region, a distinct culture shaped by the Sea of Japan thrives through fishing communities and centuries-old weaving traditions. Across the prefecture, the sophistication of the city and the authenticity of the countryside coexist, creating a tapestry of cultural diversity.

Kyoto remains, even today, a wellspring of Japanese culture—a place where the spirit of a thousand years continues to breathe.