Ancient capital of japan word. The ancient capital of Japan is Nara. Nara city is the oldest Japanese capital.

Confucianism penetrates from China, Chinese writing and many other elements of Chinese culture are adopted. During the period of strengthening political ties with China in the VIII century. in Japan, a new capital is being built - Nara, which has a regular rectangular layout and architecture with a noticeable Chinese influence.

(Japan) began to be built at the beginning of the 8th century. in the valley of the same name. During most of the 8th century Nara was the residence of the Japanese emperor and was called Heijo - the Capital of the Citadel of the World. Among the shrines of the city, the main place is occupied by the Todaiji Temple. This is a whole temple complex with the largest wooden building in the world - Hall Big Buddha(Daibutsuden). The length of its facade is 57 m, the height is 50 m. The main building of the temple was erected in the middle of the 8th century, the entire ensemble was completed only by the beginning of the 18th century. The Sangatsu-do ("March Temple") temple is considered part of the Todaiji, although it predates it. It houses a monument of global significance - wooden sculpture bodhisattva Kannon, dated to the 8th century. Founded in the 8th century Shinto shrine Kasuga contains valuable artifacts from the Heian period (late 8th to 12th centuries). Among other buildings, the Heijo Palace, several temples, incl. Grave Shrine Takamatsuzuka.

In the IX-X centuries, as a result of the construction of a new capital - (in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bmodern Kyoto) - begins new period development of Japanese architecture. The city of Kyoto (Japan) has been the imperial capital of the country since its founding at the end of the 8th century. and up to the middle of the 19th century. Kyoto was built on the model of the then capital of China - the city of Chang'an. The city was planned in the form of a rectangle stretched from north to south and divided into regular quarters with one-story buildings. northern part Kyoto occupied Imperial Palace surrounded by estates of the nobility. The citizens of the lower classes lived in the southern part of the city. A mandatory accessory of the house was a garden - a carefully guarded piece of wildlife. Japanese garden, be it a tiny area or large park with ponds, gazebos, bridges, mossy stones, always represents an object of subtle and serious creativity. About two thousand Buddhist and Shinto temples in Kyoto perfectly illustrate the development of wooden Japanese architecture. " calling card» Kyoto and one of the greatest masterpieces of Japanese culture is the rock garden in the Buddhist temple of Ryoanji.

(Japan) are near Kyoto. small town Uji was founded in the 4th century. Among its many Shinto and Buddhist shrines, Byodo-in (11th century), Kosho-ji (17th century) and Mampuki-ji (17th century) stand out. In the city of Otsu is one of the largest temple complexes in the country - Mii-dera (VII century). It includes about 40 temples and structures. Another attraction of the city of Otsu is the Buddhist monastery Enaryaku-ji (VIII-IX centuries) on Mount Hiei.

XIV-XV centuries in Japan are marked by the extensive construction of feudal castles-palaces, competing with each other with originality of solutions and splendor of gardens. As a result of the establishment in the XVI century. military dictatorship and the development of trade relations with Europe, elements of European fortification were introduced into Japanese architecture. With the help of Portuguese engineers, fortresses resembling feudal castles Europe, with light multi-tiered superstructures on a powerful stone foundation.

(Japan) - one of the most famous, large and beautiful in the country. This masterpiece of wooden Japanese architecture was built during the time of the first shoguns (military rulers of Japan) in the early 17th century. The castle includes 83 buildings with well developed system defense. Ditches, bulk ramparts and walls with stone foundations increased the defensive capabilities of Himeji several times over. The outer walls of the castle are covered with white plaster, and the lines of its gray multi-tiered roofs resemble the wings of a bird soaring into the sky. Perhaps this is why the Japanese call Himeji "Castle of the White Heron". Throughout its history, the castle has not been attacked or burned, so it is one of the best preserved castles in Japan.

Japan's last capital - Edo(modern Tokyo) - was founded in the early 17th century. In the planning and development of the new capital, the influence of Chinese architecture completely disappears. Numerous imperial palaces are being built, asymmetrical in plan, and the skill of creating gardens and parks is at a high level. After the bourgeois revolution of 1867, the process of Europeanization of Japanese culture began.

(Japan) was formed in the mountains in the southwest of the island of Honshu, at an altitude of about 600 m. The remains of extensive silver mines have been preserved here. The first mining settlements began to appear here in the 16th century. Work on the extraction of silver ore and smelting of metal was carried out until the 20th century. Since then, smelting furnaces have been preserved, transport routes, monasteries. Silver from Iwami Ginzan was exported to Korea and China and had a significant impact on the development of not only Japan, but throughout East and Southeast Asia.

(Japan) was built in 1951-1952. in the Peace Park in the city center. It is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. On that day, a significant part of the city was almost instantly destroyed, 70 thousand people died, another 140 thousand died later from radiation sickness, burns and wounds. A monument to the 12-year-old girl Sadako Sasaki, a victim of that catastrophe, was erected in the park-museum. main monument memorial - Genbaku Dome ("Atomic Dome") - is the ruins of the exhibition center, built in the early twentieth century. Through the efforts of the people of Hiroshima, this building has been preserved in the form in which it appeared after the explosion. The memorial expresses hope for world peace and the elimination of nuclear weapons.

ancient capital Japan - the Japanese already have two of them, Kyoto and Nara - two great cities that are the keepers of priceless cultural and historical heritage. These two cities have been able to carry the true image and color of the country for many centuries. rising sun. That is why those who want to get acquainted with a real ancient state should go to these remote places.

Nara city is the oldest Japanese capital.

Nara is also one of several former capitals of Japan, but it is the only city that has managed to almost completely preserve its original appearance. It is in Nara that there are numerous monasteries and temples, which are treasuries of ancient relics and shrines. Only here you can feel the spirit of early Buddhism, since in Korea or China very scattered exhibits have been preserved, which allow you to get only a collective impression.

Located on a plain, Nara is quite extensive, but compared to Kyoto or Osaka, it is still not so big. central part The city is a vast park with a museum that stretches between two great monasteries - Todaiji and Kofukuji. The most ancient monasteries are located in the western part of Nara.

In the mid-730s, a wave of crop failures, epidemics and uprisings swept over Japan, which served as the basis for the repeated transfer of the capital. At that time, Emperor Shomu issued a decree on the construction of numerous Buddhist temples, and also initiated the construction of a majestic bronze Buddha statue in the city of Nara. It became the center around which the Great Eastern Monastery () was later erected. A little later, the emperor declared himself a slave of the Buddha and went to the monastery. Of course, the temple complex has undergone numerous changes throughout its existence. However, to this day, that greatness and power has been preserved, which eloquently testifies to the former times of the Land of the Rising Sun.

The reverent attitude towards deer deserves special attention - in this city there is a whole park in which a huge number of these animals live. Why did such an attitude arise towards these spotted beauties? The thing is that one of the 4 guardian gods of Nara arrived here on a deer. Since then, sika (sika deer) has become a symbol of the city. Medieval law states that this animal is forbidden to be killed under pain death penalty. Now tourists can enjoy the company of these animals by visiting the first capital of Japan.

Kyoto - the cultural capital of Japan

For 12 centuries, Kyoto was the capital of the Japanese state, as well as its cultural center. Second World War didn't hit the city too hard. It is thanks to this fact that Kyoto was able to maintain its unsurpassed flavor and atmosphere. ancient japan. ancient palaces and villas ancient temples and shrines - all this is harmoniously combined with small villages that are comfortably located on the slopes surrounding the city itself.

Real geishas walk through the old Gion quarter, and in the Kamigyo-ku area, skilled craftsmen still demonstrate ancient textile crafts. Numerous owners of small shops and local craftsmen hold sacred their ancient traditions and do their best to preserve Japanese culture.

Today, everyone can visit the ancient capital of Japan - most tourists come here for a week. Only in this case it is possible to appreciate all the beauty and grandeur of the ancient city.

Kyoto is not only former capital Japan. Despite the fact that this city is no longer the main political center of the country, Kyoto still remains the most important cultural, economic and political region with centuries of history. Moreover, even the name itself speaks eloquently for itself - for example, the original name of the former capital (Heiankyo) literally translates as "the capital of the world." Kyoto was originally planned as the capital of the state. That is why there are so many temple complexes and majestic buildings that have become the property of the World Heritage. The golden age for the history of Kyoto was the 11th century - it was at this time that unique masterpieces were created here, such as Murasaki Shikibu's The Tale of Genji, as well as the well-known Sei Senagon's Notes at the Headboard.

Current capital of Japan

Tokyo has been the capital of Japan for over 400 years. The original name of the city is Edo. The heyday of the city fell on the reign of Tokugawa Ieyasu. In the middle of the 18th century, Edo became the largest political, economic and Cultural Center with a population of over 1 million people. At that time, the residence of the emperor was located in Kyoto, a city that was officially considered the capital of Japan. However, in 1868 the emperor moved to Edo - since then the city has been renamed Tokyo and received the official status of the capital of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Japan is a country with amazing and rich. Each capital (both the former and the present) is unique city, which largely reflects the cultures and history of the state. Of course, for those who want to really feel Japanese culture and its color, it is worth going on a trip to the ancient capitals that can convey the atmosphere of ancient Japan.

The city of Tokyo is not only political, but also a major cultural and scientific center countries. It is one of the largest and is home to more than 13 million people. Modern capital Japan over the past decades has become an international financial and economic center, and continues to develop.

The city begins its history with the construction of a fort in the 12th century. Several times it was subjected to severe destruction from powerful earthquakes; during the Second World War, most of it was destroyed by bombing. But by the middle of the last century, the capital of Japan was completely restored, industrial enterprises and scientific institutions. Today, almost all large enterprises have been moved outside the city limits, leaving only science-intensive and high-tech industries.

Attractions Tokyo

The most famous landmark of the city is the Imperial Palace, the construction of which began in the 16th century. The emperor of Japan and his family still live in it today. The territory of the palace is decorated with a magnificent garden, arranged in the national style.

The capital of Japan is famous for its numerous religious complexes, there are only 2953. One of the most famous is the Meiji Shinto shrine, surrounded by a magnificent park.

Beautiful views of the city can be admired from the viewing platforms of the TV tower. In good weather, Mount Fuji, the symbol of Japan, is visible from here. The most popular tourist attractions are: Disneysee Park with water attractions, Japanese zoo Tama, electronic city Akihabara.

Ancient capitals of the country

Currently, Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and there have been four of them in the entire history of the country. At first political centers The Japanese state was Kamakura and Nara, then they became the city of Kyoto. Since 1896, this status has passed to Edo, as Tokyo used to be called.

The city of Nara is the only ancient capital of Japan that has managed to preserve its original appearance. The ancient monasteries located here allow you to see the shrines of early Buddhism. The most famous of them is Horyuji Monastery. The Todaiji temple complex houses a grandiose bronze Buddha statue.

Another former capital of the country - the city of Kamakura, located on the ocean coast, became resort center with numerous restaurants and hotels. It is decorated with two hundred temples. main attraction ancient city- majestic bronze under open sky, cast in the 13th century.

The city of Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, has now become administrative center prefecture of the same name. In the 13th century it was known as a major cultural and religious center. He became famous for his skillful artisans who made porcelain and ceramic products, accessories for temples and tea ceremonies, silk products, high-quality paper and much more. The high reputation of goods from Kyoto is preserved to this day.

Good afternoon, dear readers! I am glad to welcome you again on the pages of my blog. Today we will talk about the ancient capitals of Japan: Nara and Kyoto. And although the current capital is an innovative city, it is Nara and Kyoto that remain cultural capitals Japan and convey the atmosphere of medieval traditions and culture.

Nara

In the VIII century AD, it was this city that bore the right to be called the capital. Tourists coming here get into the atmosphere of antiquity and are saturated with the spirit of Buddhism.

Nara has been preserved in its original form, although due to natural disasters, for centuries, craftsmen have worked to restore architectural monuments. Here, as before, there are numerous Buddhist temples, houses of large samurai clans and outlandish ones.

The city of Nara, although it was the medieval capital of Japan, occupies a very small area. But despite the small space, it is full of attractions. In the center of the city there is a large park zone, along the edges of which rise majestic temples and idols.

Many legends are associated with this city, one of which says that it was on this land that the first Emperor of Japan first set foot, and here the foundation was laid. Japanese State.

After the transfer of the capital to Nagaoka-ke (in the future Kyoto), the development of the city slowed down, and since then, Nara has had the status of a provincial Buddhist town.

Sights of Nara

When planning a trip to Japan, do not forget to visit the city of Nara. After all, it is here that the atmosphere of pristine Japan reigns, with numerous temples and gardens. There are many ancient buildings open to the public for tourists:

• Kofokuji Temple - this complex belonged to the ancient Fujiwara clan, which for several centuries was the ruling dynasty. There are several rich temples and many amazing pagodas. And although the complex is somewhat damaged, there is still something to see here.
• Horyuji - the temple was also used as a monastery, this temple is considered the oldest wooden building in the world, as well as the largest temple in the south of the country. The Japanese treat this place with special respect.
• Yakushiji is one of the ancient Buddhist temples. This building is protected as an international heritage of UNESCO (pictured).
• Todaiji is a large Buddhist monastery built during a bad harvest in the city of Nara. Todaiji is considered to be the most large building from wood in the world! Inside the temple there is a large golden Buddha statue. Tourists are also amazed by the South Gate of the complex, eight statues of which “guard” the entrance to the monastery.
• If you are planning your trip during the summer or winter period, visit the Kasuga Taisha temple complex. During this period of time, traditional lighting of lanterns is carried out here.
• Walking through the local temples and parks, you should pay attention to National Museum cities. Here is a great variety of sculptures and household items, the inhabitants of Japan in the VIII century.
• famous park tamed deer.

Kyoto

During the time of the great Emperor Kammu, Japan was plunged into troubled times. And to strengthen his power, Kammu moved the capital from the city of Nara to Kyoto.

The fact is that at that time, emigrants from Korea lived in the vicinity of Kyoto, for whom there was no point in rising against the Emperor, on the contrary, they could provide him with significant assistance. After gaining a foothold in power, Kammu began to build the city.

Kyoto has become not only political, but also religious center countries. Here, among themselves, several sects of Buddhism were at enmity. Rich clans built mansions and garden buildings here, which, despite all the dangers of the Second World War, have come down to us intact.

Attractions Kyoto

The city of Kyoto is the most popular place among foreign tourists. And no wonder, because the atmosphere of medieval peace still reigns here, old narrow streets filled with souvenir shops, small cafes, and clan workshops are open in some areas. And even despite the modernization of the city, tourists get "into the past."

Kyoto is famous for its temples and parks, let's look at the most popular of them:

• Ryoanji is Kyoto's most famous landmark. temple complex, with world famous .
• Kinkakuji is a golden temple, a golden pavilion. At the behest of the shogunate, it was built in the 14th century. Unfortunately, from everything palace complex only the pavilion remained, the current property of Japan.
• Kyomizudera - temple clean water. It is always crowded here, many visitors from different parts the globe wishing to admire the views from the wooden observation deck built without a single nail! It once served as a stage - a venue for various ancient events. On the territory of the temple there is a ritual waterfall, which, according to legend, protects the temple from evil spirits. And on the territory of the temple, there is a special place where you need to go through absolute darkness (so dark that you can’t see anything at all, but using light devices is forbidden), a kind of test, at the end of which you will see the Sacred Stone and be able to make a wish.
• Nijojo Castle is the official residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Symbolizes the unshakable power and power of the Tokugawa house. The palace is decorated in a classic Japanese style.
• Ginkakuji - silver pavilion (pictured above). Built during the Golden Age of Japanese art. This is one of the most important treasures of the country. The deep and darkened features of the temple, exactly repeats the reflection in the nearby lake.

How to get there

From the current capital of Japan, Tokyo, you can get to Kyoto in just two hours. To do this, you need to sit on high-speed train at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station. The total distance between Tokyo and Kyoto is 513 kilometers. The fare depends on the seat on the train.

The easiest way to get to Nara from Kyoto is by taking the JR train. The journey takes only 45 minutes. For convenience, it is worth buying a train pass in advance.

Unfortunately, direct route from Tokyo to Nara, no. In any case, you will have to get to either Kyoto or Osaka. Therefore, if you are planning, it might be better to stay there and make trips to Nara and Kyoto from there, it will be much more convenient.

On this I hasten to finish, we learned about the most popular tourist cities- the ancient capitals of Japan: Nara and Kyoto. Travel, learn new things and share your impressions! If you liked the article, subscribe to the blog and recommend it to your friends. All the best to you!

Lika Raido