Kyoto
	The Famous Ancient Capital of Japan
	Japan's capital was moved from Nara to Kyoto, then called Heiankyo, in 794. After that, Kyoto remained the capital of Japan, home of the imperial court, through many eras until the Meiji Restoration in 1868 when the capital was transferred to Tokyo. The Heian period, which started with the establishment of Heiankyo and lasted until 1192, was a period of flowering of Japanese culture partly influenced by China (the Tang dynasty), as represented by works of literature such as Tale of Genji and The Pillow Book (Makura no soshi).
	<17 world heritage sites>
	Kyoto, an ancient city with a history of 1210 years, has 17 cultural properties registered as World Heritage sites including Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Kiyomizudera (temples) and Nijo Castle. Some of these buildings were reconstructed after destruction in war or by fire, but most retain their original appearance. In harmony with the gentle beauty of Kyoto's natural surroundings, the buildings create a unique tranquil atmosphere not found in any other country. During World War II, the Allied Forces did not bomb Kyoto as they did other Japanese cities. There are many other interesting temples, shrines, gardens and bridges over the Katsura River. Walking along the city's old streets map in hand will be an unforgettable experience.
	<Beauty of the seasons>
	Since the Heian period, people in Kyoto have been admiring the beauty of nature more than anything else. The city is studded with points of scenic beauty throughout the year. In spring, cherry blossoms adorn the entire city. If you are lucky, you may come across a maiko (apprentice geisha) around Gion Shimbashi, a district with a lot of places with an ancient appearance. In autumn, the beauty of colored leaves around the remains of Sanzenin Gate, the Toji temple, Sagano and other areas at the foot of mountains attract many sightseers. The view of autumnal leaves reflected in a pond in a garden is a perfect example of Japanese poetic beauty, which makes the city a real "jewel box of the East".
	<Culture and cuisine> Among the Japanese cuisines known for their beauty and healthiness, the cuisine of Kyoto is noted for its beautiful presentation and simple, healthy ingredients and tastes. Tofu has been a typical food among Buddhist monks of many temples in this city and is served in rich variations -- hot in winter and cold in summer. The tea ceremony, established in the Toyotomi Hideyoshi era, gave birth to Kyo-kaiseki (tea-ceremony dishes) and Kyo-gashi, sweets with charming appearance and flavors. And don't forget sake -- Kyoto has many areas producing good sake, such as Fushimi. You can savor Japanese craftsmanship and spirit polished by rice and pure water. Nishijin-ori, traditionally woven textile with gorgeous gold and silver threads, is a popular souvenir of Kyoto. <Festivals> The Aoi Festival enlivening the main streets of Kyoto in spring, the Gion Festival in summer and the Jidai Festival in autumn are the three major festivals of Kyoto, which attract tourists from all over the world. Three major festivals of Kyoto: Aoi Festival (May 15): The festival features a classical procession of about 500 people dressed like the nobles of the Heian period. The graceful procession starts from the Kyoto Imperial Palace and parades to the Kami-Gamo Shrine via the Shimo-Gamo Shrine. Kyoto Gion Festival: The festival is said to have originated about 1,100 years ago when a prayer service was held to counter an epidemic. This festival of the Yasaka Shrine lasts for one month and reaches a climax on July 17 with a parade of floats. A total of 32 yamaboko (floats), including 29 designated as important intangible cultural assets, parade through the city. Jidai Festival (October 22): The festival was begun in 1895 when the Heian Shrine was built to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Heiankyo. Historical customs and goods representing various periods of Japanese history between the Enryaku era (782-806) and the Meiji Restoration are reproduced. The procession of 2,000 people in historical costumes stretches for as long as two kilometers. There are also numerous other interesting events like Daimonji Yaki (huge bonfires on mountainsides) and festivals of shrines and temples. Top of page

	Nara
	Nara was the capital of ancient Japan when it began to form a unified nation around the emperor. Prince Shotoku, who was appointed as Regent for the empress Suiko in 593, built the Ikaruga no Miya palace in Ikaruga, now a part of Nara Prefecture. He also instituted the Seventeen-Article Constitution and built Horyuji Temple. In 710, Heijokyo, a completely planned city, was constructed in an area within the present city of Nara.
	<Buildings and events>
	Nara flourished as a center of politics, culture and the economy. Many temples were built in ancient times following the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. One of the city's most famous events is Omizutori, held annually every spring for 1,200 years at the Nigatsudo Hall of the Todaiji temple. Old temples in Nara include Horyuji and its five-storied pagoda, the oldest wooden buildings in the world, Todaiji with a huge statue of Buddha, Toshodaiji founded by the Chinese monk Jianzhen (Ganjin), Yakushiji, Hasedera and Muroji. They are older than well-known old temples in Kyoto. In Nara Park, the largest urban park in Japan with an area of about 660 ha, over 1,000 deer graze freely. In October, bucks' antlers are cut off to prevent injury to other deer or damage to trees. It is one of the city's traditional events, performed since the early 17th century (Edo period). Various festivals and events are held in Nara all year around, such as yamayaki, turf burning on the hill of Wakakusayama in January. If you are interested in Manyoshu, said to be the oldest book in Japan, visit Manyo Bunkakan, a literary museum run by Nara Prefecture, and appreciate the beauty of traditional Japanese painting and kana letters. In contrast to Kyoto's urban sophistication, Nara is an ancient city surrounded by paddy fields and a countryside atmosphere .
	<Food>
	Traditionally Nara has a unique culture of preserved food. Local specialties include narazuke, fruits and vegetables pickled in natural salt and then in sake , kakinohazushi, salted salmon or mackerel with vinegared rice wrapped in persimmon leaves. Or try kuzukiri, Japanese arrowroot starch made into a noodle form, served with brown-sugar syrup or lemon. Porcelain, influenced by Jingdezhen's techniques of China, and Nara lacquer ware are examples of traditional handicrafts.
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	Nikko
	Nikko Toshogu, the world-famous tourist attraction of Nikko, was founded in 1616 as the tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who established the Tokugawa shogunate in Edo (now Tokyo) in 1603. As the victor in the Age of Warring States, he laid the foundations of the Edo period which lasted for over 260 years. Toshogu includes many buildings that embody the quintessence of technologies of the early Edo period, combining the architectural styles of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in solemn harmony. Among the eight buildings designated as national treasures and 34 as important cultural properties, the Yomeimon (or Higurashimon) gate is especially impressive. You will never tire of looking at the highly artistic gate, decorated with a large quantity of gold leaf and more than 500 carvings. Toshogu is located in a beautiful natural setting, including Lake Chuzenjiko surrounded by trees. If you visit Nikko, don't forget to try nama-yuba dishes. Monks practicing asceticism used yuba, sheets of soybean curd, as a source of protein in place of fish. Recently, they have become popular among tourists from overseas as they are good for health and beauty. In May and October every year, people dressed in ancient warriors' costume walk in a grand parade to reproduce the procession that moved the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu from Kunozan, Shizuoka Prefecture to Nikko.
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	Asuka
	The village of Asuka in Takaichi-gun, Nara Prefecture has been designated as an ancient capital by the Japanese government under the Ancient Capitals Preservation Law. The state-run Asuka History Park preserves the origin of Japan and its people. The Ishibutai, Takamatsuzuka, Kitora and other ancient tombs may not be as grand as Egyptian pyramids, but you can sense history in the many stone constructions. Asuka, with many historic spots, is surrounded by three hills and a natural environment that dates back to ancient times. The landscape throughout the changing seasons is alluring to visitors. The original landscape that once covered Japan still remains here.
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