Kyoto is [Japan’s former capital city](/term/place/japans-former-capital-cities), and a popular tourist destination for those seeking a taste of Japan’s traditional culture. Many of its temples are registered as [UNESCO World Heritage Sites](/term/place/unesco-world-heritage-site), with [Kiyomizudera Temple](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto/kiyomizudera-temple) being popular for its unique wooden structure on stilts, and [Fushimi Inari Taisha](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto/fushimi-inari-taisha) for its endless red [torii](/term/general/torii) gates. [Arashiyama](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto/arashiyama), on the outskirts of the city, is also famous for its [Arashiyama Bamboo Grove](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto/arashiyama-bamboo-grove) and the zen garden of the [Tenryū-ji Temple](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto/tenryu-ji-temple). 

Main temple building at Kiyomizudera at night in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Kiyomizudera.webp

Kyoto Subway operates mainly within the central Kyoto area with the Karasuma Line and the Tozai Line. Generally, the line feels more like it caters to local commuters rather than to tourists. 

It covers popular neighborhoods like Kyoto-Kawaramachi, as well as attractions like Nijo Castle, Keage Incline, and Nishiki Market. However, it misses out on major destinations like Higashiyama, the Golden Pavilion, and the Silver Pavilion. 

Kyoto Subway Map.webp

Kyoto Subway

JR West operates to Kyoto Station, and runs two useful lines. The Sagano Line is the easiest way to get from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama, as well as the Kyoto Railway Museum. The Nara Line, is the easiest way to get to the Fushimi-Inari Shrine. Other than that, JR West does not have very good coverage over attractions in Kyoto. 

JR West

Hankyu is a regional operator that also connects Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. They do not operate out of Kyoto Station, instead to Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, a popular district in Kyoto. They also run a connection from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station to Arashiyama. Their lines don’t cover much of the major tourist attractions in Kyoto. 

Hankyu

Keihan is another local operator that doesn’t operate out of Kyoto Station, instead running a line from north-south on the eastern side of Kyoto. They are perhaps most useful for getting from the Fushimi-Inari Shrine at Inari Station, to the Sanjo area near Sanjo Station. 

Keihan

Kintetsu operates out of Kyoto Station, but is generally more for external connections to Uji, Nara, and Osaka, rather than to travel around locally. 

Kintetsu

We typically recommend getting around Kyoto by bus, as it has the widest coverage, and connects to every major tourist attraction in the city. Each ride costs a flat fare of ¥230. A one-day bus pass used to be available, but they were abolished in September 2023.

Do note that buses can get rather crowded during peak hours, and can get stuck in traffic jams. As an alternative, you can also consider the train where possible, for example to Arashiyama, as trains are faster but don’t cover as many places.

There are also five major railway companies that operate in Kyoto: JR West, Kyoto Subway, Hankyu, Keihan, and Kintetsu. 

Kyoto Getting Around.webp

The Kyoto Bus 1-Day Pass is one of the most cost-efficient ways to get around. As buses cover almost all of Kyoto's attractions, it is usually the de-facto mode of transport. 

Kyoto Bus 1-Day Pass.webp

By bus and train

Getting around Kyoto

Osaka

Osaka Prefecture

Kobe

Himeji

Kinosaki Onsen

Hyogo Prefecture

Kyoto

Kyoto Prefecture

Shirahama

Wakayama Prefecture

Kansai

Shodoshima

Takamatsu

Kagawa Prefecture

Shikoku

Kurashiki

Okayama Prefecture

Chugoku

Enoshima

Kamakura

Yokohama

Miura

Kanagawa Prefecture

Tokyo

Tokyo Metropolis

Kawagoe

Chichibu

Saitama Prefecture

Kanto

Kanazawa

Ishikawa Prefecture

Takayama

Shirakawa-go

Gifu Prefecture

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Toyama Prefecture

Chubu

Kamakura Daibutsu statue at Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture

Kamakura Daibutsu.webp

Unsplash License

Kanto.jpg

Walkway through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, Kyoto Prefecture

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.webp

Gate to Yasaka Shrine seen at night in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Yasaka Shrine.webp

River view in autumn in Arashiyama, Kyoto Prefecture

Arashiyama.webp

Pond and temple building in Tenryuji in Arashiyama, Kyoto Prefecture

Tenryuji.webp

Rows of torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Fushimi Inari.webp

Panoramic view of Togetsukyo bridge in Arashiyama, Kyoto Prefecture

Togetsukyo.webp

Main temple building of Kiyomizudera in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Shirakawa area of Gion in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Gion.webp

Exterior of the Golden Pavilion overlooking a pond in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Golden Pavilion.webp

The Meiji Restoration in 1868 brought an end to the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo) and ushered in the [Meiji Era](/term/era/meiji). It arose from the collapse of the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate) at the end of the [bakumatsu](/term/era/bakumatsu), and the return of power back to the Imperial Family.

The Edo Period lasted from 1603 to 1867 when the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate) ruled Japan from the city of [Edo](/term/general/edo), modern day Tokyo. The [shogun](/term/general/shogun) was the de-facto leader of Japan, and the [daimyō](/term/general/daimyo) under him would rule over the various regions. 

The Muromachi Period is marked by the governance of Japan under the [Ashikaga Shogunate](/term/general/ashikaga-shogunate). 

The period overlaps with that of the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku) that begins with the [Ōnin War](/term/general/onin-war) from 1467 to 1477 over succession of the Ashikaga Shogunate. While the Sengoku Period was ongoing, the Ashikaga Shogunate continued until its dissolution in 1573 by [Oda Nobunaga](/term/person/oda-nobunaga).

The Kamakura Period was the start of Japan's [Feudal Era](/term/era/feudal) and was marked by the rule of the first [shogunate](/term/general/shogunate), the [Kamakura Shogunate](/term/general/kamakura-shogunate). 

The shogunate was founded by [Minamoto no Yoritomo](/term/person/minamoto-no-yoritomo), the first [shogun](/term/general/shogun), who governed Japan from the city of [Kamakura](/link/place/kanto/kanagawa/kamakura), while the [Imperial Court](/term/general/imperial-court) in the official capital of [Heian-kyō](/term/place/heian-kyo) were figureheads.

The shogunate was overthrown in the [Kenmu Restoration](/term/event/kenmu-restoration) by [Emperor Go-Daigo](/term/person/emperor-go-daigo) in 1333, that restored Imperial rule for 3 years before it was overthrown by the [Ashikaga Shogunate](/term/general/ashikaga-shogunate) in 1336. Ending the Kamakura Period, and starting the [Muromachi Period](/term/era/muromachi).

The Heian Period which began when the capital was moved from [Nara](/link/place/kansai/nara-prefecture/nara) to [Heian-kyo](/term/place/heian-kyo), modern-day [Kyoto](/link/place/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto). It is considered the peak of the Japanese imperial court (before the control of Japan by various [shogunates](/term/general/shogunate) in subsequent eras), as well as a time where art, poetry and literature flourished. 

The Heian Period was succeeded by the [Kamakura Period](/term/era/kamakura) that saw Japan ruled by its first [shogun](/term/general/shogun) from [Kamakura](/link/place/kanto/kanagawa/kamakura) in 1185.

The Nara Period is marked by the time period where the capital of Japan was mainly located in [Heijo-kyo](/term/place/heijo-kyo), present-day [Nara](/link/place/kansai/nara-prefecture/nara), and was succeeded by the [Heian Period](/term/era/heian) when the capital shifted to [Heian-kyo](/term/place/heian-kyo), present-day [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto), in 794.

The Meiji Era marked the start of Japan's rapid modernization, moving away from a feudal society and adopting industrialization and other Western influences. The Emperor who reigned at the time was posthumously known as Emperor Meiji.

The period at the end of the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo) that led to the fall of the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate), and culminated in the [Meiji Restoration](/term/general/meiji-restoration).

During this period, a fleet of American ships led by Matthew Perry forced the bakufu to lift its [Sakoku](/term/general/sakoku) policy, resulting in unrest across Japan over the next few years. This culminated in a rebellion against the bakufu called the Boshin War and eventually the Meiji Restoration in 1868. 

The Sengoku Period was a period of near-constant civil war that began after the collapse of the [Ashikaga Shogunate](/term/general/ashikaga-shogunate) in 1467 due to a civil war, the [Ōnin War](/term/general/onin-war), over succession. The collapse led to a power vacuum with various regional [daimyos](/term/general/daimyo) vying for control of Japan.

In 1573, [Oda Nobunaga](/term/person/oda-nobunaga) launched a unification war that he led till his death in 1582. His success, [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](/term/person/toyotomi-hideyoshi) continued the campaign, completing the unification in 1591 before his death in 1598. His son, [Toyotomi Hideyori](/term/person/toyotomi-hideyori) was then defeated by [Tokugawa Ieyasu](/term/person/tokugawa-ieyasu) during the [Battle of Sekigahara](/term/general/battle-of-sekigahara) in 1600. Tokugawa Ieyasu went on to establish the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate) in 1603, bringing an end to the Sengoku Period and starting the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo).

Japan’s Feudal Era consisted of the [Kamakura Period](/term/era/kamakura), [Muromachi Period](/term/era/muromachi), the [Azuchi–Momoyama Period](/term/era/azuchi-momoyama), and the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo). The Feudal Era was marked mainly by Japan’s de-facto rule under a [shogun](/term/general/shogun), despite the presence of an [Emperor](/term/general/emperor) who mainly served as a figurehead. While the official capital always remained in [Heian-kyo](/term/place/heian-kyo_), modern day [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto), the shoguns of the Kamakura Period ruled from [Kamakura](/link/place/kanto/kanagawa/kamakura), and the shoguns of the Edo Period ruled from [Edo](/term/place/edo).

This era is often the one depicted in pop culture representations of Japanese history, particularly the  [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku)  (the period of civil war between the Muromachi Period and Edo Period), with [shoguns](/term/general/shogun), [daimyos](/term/general/daimyo), [samurai](/term/general/samurai), and [ninjas](/term/general/ninja) being the most active in this era of Japanese history. 

The Azuchi-Momoyama Period is the tail-end of the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku) after the dissolution of the [Muromachi Period's](/term /era/muromachi) [Ashikaga Shogunate](/term/general/ashikaga-shogunate) and before the establishment of the [Edo Period's](/term/era/edo) [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate). It was the climax of the Sengoku Period, a period of civil war strife, with [Oda Nobunaga](/term/person/oda-nobunaga) starting the unification war to unite Japan in 1573, and [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](/term/person/toyotomi-hideyoshi) completing it in 1591 after Oda Nobunaga's death and 1582.

After Toyotomi Hideyoshi's death in 1598, his son [Toyotomi Hideyori](/term/person/toyotomi-hideyori), who was five years old at the time, was too young to take up leadership. The regents then split into two groups, the Western army of Toyotomi loyalists led by [Ishida Mitsunari](/term/person/ishida-mitsunari) and the Eastern army that opposed them, led by [Tokugawa Ieyasu](/term/person/tokugawa-ieyasu). The two sides battled in the [Battle of Sekigahara](/term/event/battle-of-sekigahara) in 1600, ending in a Tokugawa victory making him the de-facto ruler of Japan. The official establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603 ended the Azuchi-Momoyama Period, and started the Edo Period.

The period was named after Oda Nobunaga's and Toyotomi Hideyoshi's castles, the Azuchi Castle in Shiga Prefecture and the Momoyama Castle in Kyoto respectively. Neither of the original castles stand today.

The Tokugawa Shogunate (also called the Edo Shogunate) was the military government of Japan during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo), and was led by the [shogun](/term/general/shogun) from the [Tokugawa Clan](/term/general/tokugawa-clan).

Shoguns were the military leaders of Japan, nominally appointed by the Emperor. The position is typically hereditary, and the government of the Shogun is called the [Shogunate](/term/general/shogunate). 

There have been multiple Shogunates over the course of history, with the final Shogunate being the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate) that ended in 1867 with the return of power to the Emperor in the [Meiji Restoration](/term/general/meiji-restoration).

The family of the [Emperor](/term/general/emperor), the Imperial Family is the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world/

Temples are places of worship for followers of [Buddhism](/term/general/buddhism).

A geisha is a female Japanese performing artist who performs traditional Japanese arts like dancing, music, and singing. They typically wear long [kimonos](/term/general/kimono), with traditional hairstyles, and [oshiroi](/term/general/oshiroi) makeup.

Torii are gates typically found at [shrines](/term/general/shrine) and are said to mark the gateway between the everyday world and the sacred world.

Sakura are cherry blossoms, and are considered the national flower of Japan. They tend to bloom only for a short few weeks at the start of Spring (around April).

The tenshu is usually the tallest tower in a [Japanese Castle](/term/general/japanese-castle), and located within the [Hon-maru](/term/general/hon-maru). Often times, when people think of castles, the building that comes to mind is actually the tenshu of the castle. Only 12 original tenshu still exist today.

The Shinkansen is a high-speed train network that spans Japan from Hokkaido in the north, to Kyushu in the south. It is a convenient and quick way to get between major cities such as [Tokyo](/link/place/kanto/tokyo-prefecture/tokyo) and [Osaka](/link/place/kansai/osaka-prefecture/osaka). 

Seats on the shinkansen are divided into [shitei-seki](/term/general/shitei-seki) and [jiyu-seki](/term/general/jiyu-seki).

Machiya refer to the traditional Japanese wooden townhouses that were commonly found during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo). 

They are a type of [minka](/term/general/minka), and used to often house the house or shops of merchants and traders.

Today you can find many preserved machiyas in cities like [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto), [Kanazawa](/link/place/chubu/ishikawa/kanazawa), and [Kurashiki](/link/place/chugoku/okayama-prefecture/kurashiki).

Shrines are places of worship for the [Shinto](/term/general/shinto) religion, and usually enshrine one or more deities. They are different from [temples](/term/general/temple) which are places of worship for the [Buddhist](/term/general/buddhism) religion.

Kitsune is the Japanese name for foxes. 

Kitsune are also thought to be a type of [yokai](/term/general/yokai) in Japanese folklore, with the ability to shapeshift into humans. Some folktales depict kitsune as faithful guardians, while some depict them as deceitful. 

They are also closely related with [Inari](/term/person/inari), and are thought to be Inari's messengers.
It is said that kitsune can grow up to nine tails, known as a kyū-bi-no-kitsune (九尾の狐, lit. nine-tailed fox). The more tails a kitsune has, the stronger they are said to be.

Wabi-sabi is an aesthetic that centers around the acceptance of transience and imperfection. It is often a complicated concept to understand, but the idea is that there is beauty in the imperfections of nature. For example the wearing down of a building over time, or the cracks in a bowl.

Hanamachis are [geisha](/term/general/geisha) districts where geisha live and work. Geishas typically work only within their own districts, and each hanamachi consisted of geisha residences as well as [geisha-ya](/term/general/geisha-ya) where they would perform.

The Tokugawa Clan is a dynasty that ruled Japan as the [shoguns](/term/general/shogun) through the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo). 

The Shogunate, also called the Bakufu, is used to refer to a government led by the [shogun](/term/general/shogun).

Edo is the former name for Tokyo, used up to 1868 when it was renamed to *Tōkyō* (東京, lit. Eastern Capital) by the government. It became the de-facto capital from 1603 during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo) as the seat of the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate).

The Emperor was formerly the ruler of Japan, but today serves more of a ceremonial symbolic role instead.

The indigenous religion of Japan, the central belief is that [kami](/term/general/kami), supernatural beings, inhabit all things including nature. 

Buddhism is a religion that focuses on the teachings of the [Buddha](/term/general/buddha). The central tenet revolves around people letting go of their worldly desires.

Oshiroi is a type of makeup used in [kabuki](/term/general/kabuki), and by [geishas](/term/general/geisha) and [maikos](/term/general/maiko) to cover their face almost entirely white. 

The place where [geishas](/term/general/geisha) and [maikos](/term/general/maiko) perform. 

A traditional Japanese garment with a rectangular body and square sleeves, it is the national dress of Japan. It typically comes with an [obi](/term/general/obi), [zori](/term/general/zori), [tabi](/term/general/tabi), and can be complemented by a [kinchaku](/term/general/kinchaku)

The *Hon-maru* (本丸, lit. the main circle) is the main complex of a [Japanese Castle](/term/general/japanese-castle) and is the innermost complex in the castle. It typically houses the [tenshu](/term/general/tenshu) and the residence of the [daimyo](/term/general/daimyo). 

The Hon-maru is surrounded by the [Ni-no-maru](/term/general/ni-no-maru), which is in turn surrounded by the [San-no-maru](/term/general/san-no-maru).

Japanese Castles are fortresses typically made of wood and stone, and were initially built at strategic locations for military use. By the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku), they became the home of [daimyos](/term/general/daimyo) who ruled their domain from the castle. They became obsolete in the [Meiji Period](/term/era/meiji) with Japan's modernization, ending the feudal era as well as the systems of [shoguns](/term/general/shogun) and [daimyos](/term/general/daimyo). 

The castle consists of a series of defensive rings with the outermost being the [San-no-maru](/term/general/san-no-maru), followed by the [Ni-no-maru](/term/general/ni-no-maru), with the [Hon-maru](/term/general/hon-maru) in the center.

The daimyō were generally regional lords that controlled military, police, and economic power in the area that they ruled. Most commonly, the term daimyō is used to refer to the regional lords during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo) that would report to the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate). They were abolished in 1868 during the [Meiji Restoration](/term/event/meiji-restoration) that saw the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate and Japan’s feudal system.

Often used on [shinkansens](/term/general/shinkansen) or in restaurants, this means that you are free to sit anywhere. The opposite is [Shitei-seki](/term/general/shitei-seki), which means that you can only sit in a seat that you have reserved.

Often used on the [shinkansen](/term/general/shinkansen), shitei-seki means that you need to reserve the seat in advance, usually at an additional cost. The opposite is [Jiyū-seki](/term/general/jiyu-seki), which means that you can freely sit anywhere.

Minka were residences that housed the farmer, merchant and artisan classes of the [Feudal Era](/term/era/feudal), especially during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo). Kyoto's [Machiya](/term/general/machiya) and Shirakawa-go's [Gassho-zukuri](/term/general/gassho-zukuri) are considered to be types of minka.

Yokai are supernatural beings in Japanese folklore, often with animal-like characteristics. They are not treated as a type of hostile monster, but often an entity of nature. Yokai can be commonly found at [Shinto](/term/general/shinto) [shrine](/term/general/shrine) as statues or paintings.

Tabi are traditionally pure white socks designed to be worn with a [zori](/term/general/zori), and usually used when wearing [kimonos](/term/general/kimono).

The kami are deities from the [Shinto](/term/general/shinto) religion and are said to inhabit all things, and are also said to have created all nature and human life.

The Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, was an Indian prince from South Asia who later gave up his title and founded the religion of [Buddhism](/term/general/buddhism) in the 6th or 5th century BCE. 

Kabuki is a traditional Japanese dance-drama that has heavily-dramatized and stylized performances. The actors are usually male and perform with [oshiroi](/term/general/oshiroi) makeup. 

It is part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, and is thought to have originated from the early [Edo Period](/term/era/edo)

A maiko is an apprentice [geisha](/term/general/maiko) who usually performs songs, dances, or traditional instruments like the [shamisen](/term/general/shamisen) for entertainment.

A traditional Japanese drawstring bag used like a handbag for carrying around personal items. It is commonly used together with a [kimono](/term/general/kimono).  

An obi is a broad sash with a variety of designs on it that complement the design of the [kimono](/term/general/kimono) that it is worn with.

The *Ni-no-maru* (二の丸, lit. the second circle) is the second innermost complex of a [Japanese Castle](/term/general/japanese-castle), and usually hosts auxiliary residences, guest rooms, and military installations. Since the conversion of castles into national park, most Ni-no-marus in existing castles have all been demolished. 

The innermost complex is called the [Hon-maru](/term/general/hon-maru), while the outermost complex is called the [San-no-maru](/term/general/san-no-maru). 

The *San-no-maru* (三の丸, lit. the third circle) is usually the outermost complex in a [Japanese Castle](/term/general/japanese-castle), where the lowest ranking residences in a castle are located, as well as where many of the defensive military installations are located. 

The San-no-maru encloses the [Ni-no-maru](/term/general/ni-no-maru), which in turn encloses the innermost complex, the [Hon-maru](/term/general/hon-maru).

Zori are traditional Japanese slippers that can be made of straw or wood, and are similar in form to modern slippers. 

[Waraji](/term/general/waraji) are similar to zori, except that they had straps that needed to be tied together, similar in form to modern strap sandals.

Gassho-zukuri is an architectural style of [minka](/term/general/minka) where the thatched roof comes together in a 人 shape that resembles the hands of monks that come together during prayer. 

The Ashikaga Shogunate was the ruling  [shogunate](/term/general/shogunate) during the [Muromachi Period](/term/era/muromachi) based out of Kyoto. The [shoguns](/term/general/shogun) were of the [Ashikaga Clan](/term/group/ashikaga-clan).

They were the second shogunate in Japan’s history after overthrowing the [Kamakura Shogunate](/term/general/kamakura-shogunate), and was dissolved after the weakening of the shogunate during the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku) before being succeeded by the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate).

Sakoku refers to the policy of national isolation from 1633 to 1853 during the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo) (also called the Sakoku Period) by the Tokugawa Shogunate that cut off almost all diplomatic and trade relations with other countries. 

No foreigners were allowed to enter, and no Japanese were allowed to leave. Certain exceptions were allowed, such as the trade with the Dutch and Chinese in Nagasaki. 

A ninja, also called *shinobi* (忍び), was a covert agent that conducted a variety of activities including espionage, and used the martial art of ninjutsu. Their covert methods of operation was deemed as below the honor of [samurai](/term/general/samurai). They were most active during the civil wars of the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku) and faded into obscurity during the unified Japan of the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo).

A traditional Japanese wooden instrument with three strings, and played with a pick called the [bachi](/term/general/bachi-stringed) in a manner similar to that of a guitar.

The samurai were warriors that were most prominent in the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo), serving the regional [daimyo](/term/general/daimyo) as protectors of their land. They were considered to be military nobility, and the title was hereditary.  

The Three Great Unifiers of Japan are the three people credited with bringing an end to the civil wars of the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku), unifying Japan and ushering in the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo). The three are [Oda Nobunaga](/term/person/oda-nobunaga), [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](/term/person/toyotomi-hideyoshi), and [Tokugawa Ieyasu](/term/person/tokugawa-ieyasu).

Seppuku was an act of ritual suicide by [samurai](/term/general/samurai) who would rather die voluntarily with honor, than be captured by the enemy. It could also be used as a form of capital punishment. Seppuku involves the act of harakiri, then beheaded by an assistant as an act of mercy.

Waraji were straw sandals that were tied onto the feet, similar to the modern strap sandals. They were the standard footwear for the commoners during Japan's [Feudal Era](/term/era/feudal). 

[Zori](/term/general/zori) were similar to waraji, but did not need to be tied onto the feet, just slid straight on like modern flip-flops.

The bachi is a pick used to play stringed instruments like the [shamisen](/term/general/shamisen). The wooden sticks for [taiko](/term/general/taiko) drums are also called [bachi](/term/general/bachi-taiko), but with a different kanji.

The bachi are wooden sticks used to play [taiko](/term/general/taiko) drums. The picks for stringed instruments like the [shamisen](/term/general/shamisen) are also called [bachi](/term/general/bachi-stringed), but with a different kanji.

In Japanese, it is used to refer to any type of drum. Colloquially, taiko is used to refer to traditional Japanese wooden drums.

Emperor Kameyama was the 90th [Emperor](/term/general/emperor) from 1260 to 1274. His term was during the [Kamakura Period](/term/era/kamakura), which meant that power was held by the [Kamakura Shogunate](/term/general/kamakura-shogunate) instead.

Kannon, also known as Guanyin in Chinese, is the goddess of mercy in [Buddhism](/term/general/buddhism). 

Inari, officially referred to as Inari-Ōkami (稲荷大神), is a [kami] in the [Shinto](/term/general/shinto) religion, and is the god of [kitsune](/term/general/kitsune), fertility, rice, and agriculture.

Oda Nobunaga was a [daimyo](/term/general/daimyo) during the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku) and is regarded as the first of the [Three Great Unifiers of Japan](/term/general/three-great-unifiers). In 1573, he launched a unifying war against the other daimyo, conquering most of [Honshu](/term/place/honshu) by 1580. In 1582, he was betrayed by his retainer, Akechi Mitsuhide (明智 光秀), and was forced to commit [seppuku](/term/general/seppuku) to avoid capture after being surrounded. [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](/term/person/toyotomi-hideyoshi) succeeded him and completed his unification war in 1591.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was a [daimyo](/term/general/daimyo) during the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku) and is regarded as the second of the [Three Great Unifiers of Japan](/term/general/three-great-unifiers). He succeeded [Oda Nobunaga](/term/person/oda-nobunaga) in 1582 after the latter's death, and completed the latter's war to unify Japan in 1591. This made him the de-facto leader of Japan. He then launched an unsuccessful war against Korea in 1592, which ended after his death in 1598. It is said that he was delirious at his death, and the unsuccessful wars had weakened his clan, leading to [Tokugawa Ieyasu](/term/person-tokugawa-ieyasu) displacing his son and becoming the first [shogun](/term/place/shogun) of the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo) in 1603.

The son and successor to [Toyotomi Hideyoshi](/term/person/toyotomi-hideyoshi), after his father's death in 1598, he became the designated ruler of Japan at age 5. The loss of the [Battle of Sekigahara](/term/event/battle-of-sekigahara) in 1600 by the Toyotomi loyalists faction meant that the position of de-facto ruler of Japan fell to the winner, [Tokugawa Ieyasu](/term/person/tokugawa-ieyasu), who went on to found the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate) in 1603.

Most of Toyotomi Hideyori's land and holdings were confiscated after the loss, and he was demoted to becoming an ordinary [daimyo](/term/general/daimyo). 

By 1614, Toyotomi Hideyori grew up to be a young daimyo living in [Osaka Castle](/link/place/kansai/osaka-prefecture/osaka/osaka-castle) and was the rightful heir to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Those who opposed Tokugawa Ieyasu began to rally around Toyotomi Hideyori. This led to a conflict between the two that resulted in a siege of Osaka Castle in November 1614 by Tokugawa's forces. The attack was unsuccessful, but resulted in a truce signed in January 1615 that required Toyotomi Hideyori to dismantle the castle's defenses. 

In May 1615, skirmishes started breaking out again between the two factions near Osaka leading to a second siege of the castle in June 1615.  A siege that was successful this time, and ended with Toyotomi Hideyori committing [seppuku](/term/general/seppuku) with his mother.

Tokugawa Ieyasu was the first [shogun](/term/general/shogun) of the [Edo Period](/term/era/edo),  and founded the [Tokugawa Shogunate](/term/general/tokugawa-shogunate) in 1603. During the [Sengoku Period](/term/era/sengoku) , he was a [daimyo](/term/general/daimyo) and is regarded as the third of the [Three Great Unifiers of Japan](/term/general/three-great-unifiers). After [Toyotomi Hideyoshi's](/term/person/toyotomi-hideyoshi)  death in 1598, Tokugawa took power in 1600 after the [Battle of Sekigahara](/term/event/battle-of-sekigahara) that saw him defeat forces loyal to Toyotomi Hideyoshi's son, Toyotomi Hideyori (豊臣 秀頼).

The Katsura River in [Arashiyama](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto/arashiyama), [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto) begins from the [Togetsukyo Bridge](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto/togetsukyo-bridge), continuing on from the [Ōi River](/term/place/oi-river) in the north.

The Kamo River is a popular river that flows through central [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto) , and has walking paths that run parallel to it, making it a popular spot for locals to stroll or sit beside the riverbank. 

The Three Pavilions of Kyoto refer to the [Golden Pavilion](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto/golden-pavilion), [Silver Pavilion](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto/silver-pavilion) and the Hiunkaku (飛雲閣) in Nishi Hongan-ji Temple (西本願寺).

Sagano refers to the northern area of [Arashiyama](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto/arashiyama), north of the [Katsura River](/term/place/katsura-river).

Japan has shifted its capital multiple times before it was shifted to [Tokyo](/link/place/kanto/tokyo-metropolis/tokyo) during the [Edo era](/term/era/edo). 

Prior to that, it was located at [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto) during the [Muromachi period](/term/era/muromachi), at [Kamakura](/link/place/kanto/kanagawa-prefecture/kamakura) during the [Kamakura period](/term/era/kamakura), back to Kyoto during [Heian period](/term/era/heian), and at [Nara](/link/place/kansai/nara-prefecture/nara) during the [Nara period](/term/era/nara). 

Prior to the Nara period, the position of Japan’s capital often changed cities with each [Emperor](/term/general/emperor). 

There are more than 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan, these include the ancient temples of [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto), [Himeji Castle](/link/place/kansai/hyogo-prefecture/himeji/himeji-castle), the villages of [Shirakawa-go](/link/place/chubu/gifu-prefecture/shirakawa-go), [Itsukushima Shrine](/link/place/chugoku/hiroshima-prefecture/miyajima/itsukushima-shrine), and the [Kumano Kodo](/link/place/kansai/wakayama-prefecture/kumano-kodo).

The Ōi River flows from the mountains near Kameoka to [Arashiyama](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto/arashiyama) in [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto). At the point where the river reaches the [Togetsukyo Bridge](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto/togetsukyo-bridge), the southern part is known as the [Katsura River](/term/place/katsura-river).

The former name for [Kyoto](/link/place/kansai/kyoto-prefecture/kyoto) when it was the capital, used from 794 during the [Heian Period](/term/era/heian) to 1869 during the start of the [Meiji Period](/term/era/meiji)  when the capital was shifted to [Tokyo](/link/place/kanto/tokyo-metropolis/tokyo).

Honshu is the largest of Japan's main islands and stretches from Aomori Prefecture in the north, all the way to Yamaguchi Prefecture in the south.

Getting Around Kyoto

Getting around Kyoto

Recommended Pass

Bus 1-Day Pass

Modes of Transport

Kyoto Subway

Map

Passes

Subway & Bus One-Day Pass

JR West

Map

Hankyu

Keihan

Kintetsu