Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) in Japan

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Kyoto Prefecture
World Heritage Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Preservation of Curtural Properties Section, City of Kyoto)
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (National Land Agency)
World Heritage in Kyoto (Kyoto Prefecture)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1994
Size of heritage: 1,056 ha
- Buffer zone: 3,579 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 135,769°
Latitude: 34,981°

Summary

Built in A.D. 794 on the model of the capitals of ancient China, Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan from its foundation until the middle of the 19th century. As the centre of Japanese culture for more than 1,000 years, Kyoto illustrates the development of Japanese wooden architecture, particularly religious architecture, and the art of Japanese gardens, which has influenced landscape gardening the world over.

Location on Map

Show bigger map on Openstreetmap

Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)

The Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, located in Kyoto and Shiga prefectures in Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses numerous cultural landmarks and historic sites. This site is a testament to the rich history and cultural significance of Kyoto, which served as the capital of Japan for over a thousand years.

History

The history of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto dates back to the 8th century when Emperor Kanmu decided to move the capital from Nara to Kyoto in 794. This marked the beginning of the Heian period, a time of great cultural and artistic flourishing. Kyoto became the political and cultural center of Japan, and many of the monuments and structures that still stand today were built during this period.

During the following centuries, Kyoto continued to thrive as the capital, with the construction of numerous temples, shrines, palaces, and gardens. The city became a hub of religious and artistic activities, attracting scholars, artists, and craftsmen from all over Japan. The architectural styles and artistic traditions that developed during this time greatly influenced Japanese culture.

Current State

The Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto is a vast site that includes 17 individual locations, each with its own unique historical and cultural significance. Some of the most notable sites within this UNESCO World Heritage site include Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), and Nijo Castle.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, built in 778, is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. It is renowned for its wooden terrace that offers panoramic views of the city and its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, creating a stunning reflection on the surrounding pond.

Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, is another Zen temple famous for its elegant gardens and meticulously designed sand patterns. Nijo Castle, built in the 17th century, is a magnificent example of feudal Japanese architecture and is known for its "nightingale floors" that chirp when walked upon to alert against intruders.

These sites, along with others within the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, are meticulously preserved and maintained to ensure their historical and cultural integrity. Visitors can explore these sites and experience the rich history and cultural heritage of Kyoto firsthand.

Today, Kyoto remains a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its ancient traditions with modernity. It continues to be a center for traditional arts, crafts, and religious practices. The Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto serves as a reminder of the city's illustrious past and its enduring cultural legacy.

In conclusion, the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the rich history and cultural significance of Kyoto. With its numerous temples, shrines, palaces, and gardens, this site offers visitors a glimpse into the city's past and its enduring cultural traditions.

Hotels and places to stay

Check availability

Hyatt Regency Kyoto

Address
Distance: 0,6 mi
644-2 Sanjusangendo-mawari Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi
605-0941 Kyoto
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Check availability

Daiwa Royal Hotel Grande Kyoto

Address
Distance: 0,4 mi
15 Nishi Iwamoto-cho,Higashi Kujyo
6018005 Kyoto-shi
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 23:59
Weekend: closed

Check availability

Almont Hotel Kyoto

Address
Distance: 0,4 mi
26 1, Nishiiwamoto cho, Higashikujo, Minami ku, Kyoto city, Kyoto 601 8005, Japan.
6018005 Kyoto
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

Check availability

(RYOKAN) Hotel Centnovum Kyoto

Address
Distance: 0,5 mi
19 1, Higashi sanno cho, Higashi kyujo, Minami ku, Kyoto city, Kyoto 601 8004, Japan.
6018004 Kyoto
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

Check availability

Guesthouse Shitamachikujo

Address
Distance: 0,5 mi
33, Nakafudanotsuji cho, Higashikujo, Minami ku, Kyoto city, Kyoto 601 8027, Japan.
6018027 京都市　南区
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 17:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 23:00
Weekend: closed

Check availability

Ryokan Ohto

Address
Distance: 0,6 mi
Hitosujime Minami Sagaru Higashiyama-ku
605-0994 Kyoto
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Check availability

El Inn Kyoto

Address
Distance: 0,5 mi
13, HIGASHIKUJO HIGASHISANNOCHO, MINAMI KU KYOTO SHI, KYOTO, 601 8004, JAPAN.
6018004 京都市　南区
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 0:00
Weekend: closed

Check availability

Shukubo Chishakuinkaikan

Address
Distance: 0,6 mi
964, HIGASHIKAWARACHO, HIGASHIOJI SHICHIJO KUDARU, HIGASHIYAMA KU KYOTO SHI, KYOTO, 605 0951, JAPAN.
6050951 京都市　東山区
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Check availability