Kyoto's Geography, Explained

Summary

This video explores the historical and geographical reasons behind the placement of major temples and shrines outside Kyoto's city center. It delves into Kyoto's rich history, from its founding by Emperor Kammu in 794 to the influence of Chinese traditions on its city planning. The script discusses how religious buildings were initially restricted within city limits, leading to the development of 'suburban sprawl' around the city. It also touches on the significance of temples as political and cultural centers during the medieval era, the rise of Nijo Castle, and Kyoto's modernization while preserving its historical structures.

Takeaways

• 🏯 Kyoto's major temples and shrines, like the famous Torii gates, are located outside the city center, contrasting with the Imperial Palace's central location.
• 🗺️ The city's layout, influenced by Chinese tradition, was strategically designed with hills surrounding it on three sides for protection and symbolism.
• 🏞️ Kyoto's geographical advantages, such as access to freshwater and timber from nearby hills, were critical in its selection as a capital city by Emperor Kammu.
• ⛩ The original city plan of Kyoto prohibited religious buildings within its boundaries, leading to the development of religious structures outside the city center.
• 🔥 The original Imperial Palace was prone to fires, leading to its relocation and the current palace's construction on the site of a former noble mansion.
• 🏘️ The city's elite historically lived in the northeast quadrant, influencing the relocation of the Imperial Palace and the development of religious sites.
• 🏰 The construction of Nijo Castle in the 16th century by Oda Nobunaga and its expansion by Tokugawa Ieyasu showcased the city's shift towards centralized castles for defense.
• 🌳 Kyoto's suburbs saw the rise of 'medieval suburban sprawl' with the establishment of temples and shrines that became influential in politics and attracted pilgrims.
• 🏛️ Some of Kyoto's most visited sites, like the Golden Pavilion and the Fushimi Inari Shrine, were developed or gained prominence during the medieval era due to noble patronage.
• 🌐 Despite the capital's relocation to Tokyo, Kyoto continued to modernize and preserve its historical structures, maintaining its cultural and historical significance.

Q & A

Why are most major shrines and temples in Kyoto located outside the city center?

The original plan of Kyoto forbade almost any type of religious building within its boundaries, leading to the establishment of major shrines and temples on the outskirts.

How did the geographical features of Kyoto influence its selection as a capital city?

Kyoto's location near the confluence of the Katsura and Kamo rivers, the availability of timber from the surrounding hills, and the city's natural defense from the hills on three sides made it an ideal location for a capital city.

What was the original name of Kyoto and why was it changed?

The original name of Kyoto was Heian-kyō, but it is commonly referred to as Kyoto for simplicity.

Why did Emperor Kammu move the capital to Kyoto from Nara?

Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Kyoto from Nara due to concerns about flooding and the desire for a more strategically located and defensible capital.

What is the significance of the Imperial Palace's location in the city plan of Kyoto?

The Imperial Palace is located at the center of the northern highest part of the city, following the traditional Chinese model of city planning which places the imperial residence at the city's core.

Why did the Imperial Palace move from its original location?

The original Heian Palace was prone to fires and burned down repeatedly, leading to the eventual relocation of the Imperial Palace to its current site.

How did the presence of temples and shrines outside the city limits influence the development of Kyoto?

The presence of temples and shrines outside the city limits led to the creation of 'medieval suburban sprawl', with communities forming around these religious sites to cater to pilgrims and tourists, influencing the city's politics and culture.

What is the historical significance of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto?

The Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-ji, was originally a villa for a powerful elite noble clan and later became a temple. It is an example of a cloistered rural facility where retired emperors conducted rule.

Why was Nijo Castle built at an angle to the street grid of Kyoto?

Nijo Castle was built at an angle to the street grid because its designers used a magnetic compass to orient the castle to magnetic north, which was a new technology at the time.

How did the relocation of Japan's capital to Tokyo affect Kyoto?

The relocation of the capital to Tokyo during the Meiji Restoration led to a decline in Kyoto's political importance, but the city continued to grow and modernize, maintaining its historic structures and avoiding over-tourism.

What is the historical context of the Gion District in Kyoto?

The Gion District was originally a neighborhood for pilgrims visiting the nearby Yasaka Shrine. It later evolved into a famous geisha district and is now a popular entertainment and tourist area.