Kyoto has a history of the imperial capital as well as the country’s center of culture from 794 until 1867.
Many aspects seen as the core traditions of Japanese culture, such as the tea ceremony, flower arrangement,
and kaiseki cuisine, originate this city that remains a spiritual home for all Japanese.
Before Kyoto, the imperial court was located in Nara, the first formal capital of Japan. Nara is still home to
many important cultural treasures, including the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple, forged during the height of
the city’s glory over 1300 years ago. These two ancient cities are also home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites.