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The World Heritage Sites of

ANCIENT KYOTO

THE CULTURAL HEARTLAND OF JAPAN

Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years and in its river basin was fostered much of the country’s traditional culture: courtly aesthetics, Zen, Noh, the tea ceremony, kabuki, ikebana and the geisha arts. It is truly one of the world’s great cities, recognised by UNESCO with its registration of 17 separate properties (it could have been so many more!).

‘Kyoto embodies all the values that UNESCO treasures,’ says Director General Irina Bokova. ‘It is blessed by glorious nature. It has many intangible assets, like the Gion Festival. And it has wonderful people.’

Geographically speaking, three of the properties lie outside Kyoto City. The temple of Enryaku-ji lies in Otsu City, while Byodo-in and Ujigami Shrine are in the small town of Uji. Historically, however, they are firmly part of Kyoto culture.

In all, the site boasts over 200 buildings and gardens of high artistic merit. Here are places for which people fly across the seas: the Golden and Silver Pavilions, Nijo castle, Kiyomizu Temple, the world’s most famous rock garden. Here are the quintessential elements of a culture that has enriched the world. Here, quite simply, is the glittering heart of Japan.

KYOTO AT A GLANCE

REGISTRATION 1994, as ‘Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)’.

FEATURES 17 properties, comprising 13 Buddhist temples, 3 Shinto shrines and 1 castle.

ACCESS Kyoto is 1 hour 15 mins from Kansai Airport or 2 hours 15 mins from Tokyo by bullet train. Public transport within the city can take time, so a geographical approach is advised (see map).

PRACTICALITIES Tourist information: Kyoto Station bldg 2F, tel. (075) 343-0548. Both Kyoto City and Kyoto Prefecture have English websites with sections on World Heritage Sites. Other useful websites: kyoto-magonote.jp; www.kyotoguide.com; www.kyoto.travel. For volunteer guides, see the list on JNTO’s website.