The ancient capital of Japan. ancient capitals of japan
The ancient capital of 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 Japanese state, as well as his 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 a major 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.
Being at that time in the neighboring South Korea and thinking about which part of Japan to see in less than 5 days, I could not make a decision for a long time. I had to proceed at least from the cost of the ticket, and in this situation there were two cheap options: Air flight Asia from Seoul to Tokyo and Peach Airlines from Seoul to Osaka. Each of the options cost about $ 100 in both directions, and any other is several times more expensive. For example, I would prefer to fly somewhere to non-touristic Sapporo, rent a car at the airport and drive around Hokkaido. But the ticket there cost about $400 and the option disappeared. Understand correctly, I had been riding around Asia for almost a month and a half at that time and had pretty much exhausted my budget. I got tired of big cities back in China, so I immediately abandoned Tokyo and chose Osaka. Why was the Osaka option convenient? Firstly, by the fact that two ancient capitals of Japan, Kyoto and Nara, are located an hour away from it, and secondly, by the fact that between Osaka and nearby cities cheap suburban trains run.
As you know, transportation in Japan is not just expensive, it is uniquely expensive! And if you don't have Japan rail pass, then keep your pocket wider: the average fare across the country is about $1 per kilometer, which translates into the cost of a trip from Osaka to Tokyo about $150-200, and to Sapporo even 250-300. You ask, why didn't I buy the said pass? The answer is simple - for such a short stay in Japan, it is a shame to invest almost $500 in a travel pass. If I came for a couple of weeks, it's a different matter.
Initially, the idea was to immediately go to Kyoto from Osaka Kensai Airport and make Kyoto a base for traveling around the region. But then I decided to dedicate the day to Osaka, which is adjacent to the airport, so I arrived in Kyoto a little later. What else is important to mention from logistics? In a post about the features of Japanese public transport said that the more carefully you plan your stay in Japan in advance, the cheaper it will be for you. Notice I don't say "more comfortable", but "cheaper". It will be comfortable in any case, this is a very civilized state and all issues can be resolved on the spot. The only question is the price. You can go from point A to point B for $5 or $50. It can be two different trains standing on adjacent platforms and departing at the same time. Read about transport in the previous link, now I will not repeat myself.
In 1.5 million Kyoto, there are 5 railway stations scattered in different parts of the city, the most expensive trains(express), and to other stations - suburban cheap. I arrived at Omiya Station, which is about 3 km north of central station and from there I went to my hotel, which is just closer to the main station -
The hotel was booked through expedia.co.jp (I emphasize that not just expedia.com, but precisely that Japanese version, prices are different there), such a quite decent hotel "Tokyu" cost around $ 50 per day for a single room. If you remember that people for $40-45 lived in capsules the size of a meter by two with amenities in the corridor, then the choice is obvious -
Acquaintance with Kyoto began with the business part of the city. There is nothing particularly interesting here, just a Japanese city -
You like japanese girls? There is a separate post about them.
Shops with all sorts of strange souvenirs -
Market with no less strange food -
It looks ambiguous, but as practice has shown, it is somewhat tastier than Korean cuisine, which I got tired of back in Seoul -
Now it's time to move on to what you can see in this city.
A few words about the sights of Kyoto
Two news, one good and one bad (c). Good news the fact that Kyoto is crammed with ancient temples, and the bad one is that temples and palaces are randomly scattered throughout the city. There is no “Old City” familiar to you and me, where all the sights are, there are about one and a half hundred (I'm not kidding) temples, of which about a third are worth visiting. From one to another can be from a kilometer to several kilometers. It's best to rent a bike. For a day, the rental costs about $15 and pays for itself.
Another caveat: temples are free, but palaces cost money. On average, the entrance ticket varies from 5 to 15 dollars for each. There are some tourist passes for a day, three days and so on. If your goal is to go around all the temples of the city (we remember that there are only more than 150 of them), then you need such a ticket. But I can hardly imagine a person of sound mind and memory who can go around 150 temples in a couple of days. What is this, the race for the "tick"? Personally, I have identified for myself about 15 objects that I wanted to visit, of which about 11 are free. And that's enough, no need to go crazy. Palaces are similar to each other, temples too. After the tenth temple, you will understand that the general idea is clear to you, after the thirtieth temple you will start to desperately yawn, and after the hundredth you will throw yourself at people shouting “Comrade Bender, Comrade Bender!” and you are isolated from society 🙂
Actually, this is to the fact that for a moderately sane tourist concession ticket for ALL temples, Kyoto will never pay for itself, but it’s up to you to draw conclusions. You will have to walk (or drive) a lot, be prepared for this.
Do you know what a Japanese cemetery looks like? Like this -
And next to Kyoto there is a small village, or rather, even a suburb - Sagano. A funny tram "Keifuku", which is more than 100 years old, runs there. There is a separate post about the tram -
And the tram goes to the picturesque Sagano (a separate post about it), right here -
Kyoto and Nara. The two ancient capitals, the custodians of priceless and unsurpassed masterpieces, carried their unchanged appearance through many centuries. Time-honored temples and quiet traditional streets reflect the image of Japan you've been dreaming of for so long.
Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan
For 1200 years, Kyoto was the capital of the Japanese state and its main cultural center.. Due to the fact that during the Second World War it was almost not damaged by bombing, it managed to preserve the atmosphere of "old Japan" much better than many other cities. Ancient villas, palaces, ancient shrines and temples here easily coexist with small villages nestled comfortably on the slopes of the hills surrounding the city. enjoying amazing scenery, V Kyoto you also get to know the richest historical past of Japan.
In the old quarter Gion can still be seen in the area Kamigyo-ku- craftsmen for the manufacture of products from traditional textiles (Nishijin Ori), and in Fushimi- those who do Numerous artisans and owners of small shops sacredly honor the traditions of the past, not allowing the original to completely disappear under the onslaught of time and progress. Although, of course, it cannot be said that Kyoto everything is old or obsolete: modernity inexorably gets here, and many quarters in the process of construction are completely transformed, losing their "historical" face. However, here you can still find and ( matter) - wooden buildings with tiled roofs and beautiful, specially finished, facades.
Gion quarter
The locals say: "To get to know and understand Kyoto, you have to live here all your life." However, most tourists usually come here for only a few days. The ideal option is a week, especially if you add excursions to the cities of Ohara, Kumano, Uji or. But if there is no more time, you can see the main ones in a couple of days.
Getting to Kyoto from Tokyo you can take the Japanese train railway(JR) on the Tokaido line, which runs for two hours and fifteen minutes. From Osaka to Kyoto there is a special high-speed train, which also runs along the Tokaido line from the Shin-Osaka platform in just 25 minutes.
History of Kyoto
In 794 Kyoto became the residence of the Japanese emperor, which until then was located in the vicinity of Nara. The new location was chosen for cult rather than strategic reasons: the city is surrounded by mountains on three sides, but open from the south, and two rivers flow through it from the north. Initially, Kyoto was called Heian-kyo - "Capital of Peace and Tranquility", and its construction was carried out according to the classical Chinese model - with a regular, strict layout of all avenues and streets.
Over time, the city began to be called simply "Kyoto", which means "capital" in Japanese. Beyond the epicenter political life, it was also an important religious center and arena of struggle for various Buddhist sects. The most important temples in kyoto are the living heritage of each of them: - Enryakuji (Tendai sect), Toji (Shingon sect), Nanzenji, Tenryuji, Daitokuji (Zen sect) and Nishi Honganji (Jodo Shinshu sect).
Nara
Nara is one of several ancient capitals of Japan (710–794), but the only one that has generally retained its original appearance. Almost all of the ancient monasteries, with their countless priceless artistic treasures, are located in Nara or its environs. Only here can one fully understand and feel the spirit of early Buddhism, for in China and Korea only scattered monuments have survived from that time, and it is Japanese works that provide the key to the reconstruction of the continental art that once inspired them. Of course, local buildings also burned and were rebuilt, but during repairs, they, like ancient shrines, were always reproduced in their ancient appearance. The most active renewal - after the decline and devastation of the end of the Heian era - fell on the beginning of the Kamakura era (late 12th - early 13th centuries); No wonder the art of this time largely returned to the traditions of the Nara era.
It is located on a plain and quite extensive, although, of course, small in comparison with Kyoto and Osaka, located to the north and west. Heijo, as the city was originally called, was planned according to the model of Chang'an, the capital of the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618-907), and has retained the correct "grid" layout to this day. The center of Nara is a vast park with a museum, stretching between two great monasteries, Todaiji and Kofukuji. The most ancient monasteries - the famous Horyuji and others - are located on the western outskirts of the city.
Daibutsu (Great Buddha)
By the mid 730s. Japan was swept by a series of crop failures, epidemics and uprisings, which even forced the capital to be moved several times. Emperor Shomu, a pious Buddhist, issued an edict on the construction of Buddhist temples in the centers of all provinces, and also initiated the construction of a grandiose bronze Buddha statue in Nara. Around it was built Temple complex Todaiji (Great Oriental Monastery); in 749 the emperor declared himself a slave of the Buddha and soon became a monk, retaining, however, influence on the government of the country. The manufacture of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) - the height of the statue is 15 m, weight 500 tons - lasted from 743 to 752. A huge wooden reliquary temple (Daibutsuden) was built over the statue, with an area of 73 x 50 m and a height of 48 m. which is later modern look the building was acquired in 1705–1709. - the temple was reduced by almost 30%, it remains the largest wooden structure in the world. In front of him were placed two 100-meter pagodas that have not survived to this day. It is believed that at least 10% of the population of Japan worked on the casting of the Buddha and the construction of the monastery, and that the treasury was almost completely depleted. The Great Buddha and his temple were often repaired, but even now they make an absolutely stunning impression.
Daibutsuden
Todaiji- a huge complex in which, in addition to Daibutsuden, dozens of buildings have been preserved. One of the most impressive main south gate (late XII century), guarded by two huge (more than 8 m) statues of guards. Far beyond Daibutsuden is a unique treasury building (shosoin), built in 756 to store the precious gift of Komyo, the widow of Emperor Shomu, to the Buddha and his temple. The collection of 9,000 items, including later donations, is not available for viewing, but every autumn some of its exhibits are shown at the Nara Museum. In addition to the collection, the shosoin is also unique as a work of architecture: it is the oldest log building in the world. To the east of the main complex is Nigatsu-do, oldest building which Hokkado (740-747) contains magnificent sculptures of the 8th century. The nearby temple, attached to the high slope of the mountain, is the site of the famous Shuni-e ceremony (March 1-15), dedicated to the Kannon statue kept here. In addition to the special prayers held closed, on each of the mentioned days, 10 monks run along the stairs and the gallery of the temple with huge torches and shower the pilgrims with a sea of sparks. At 2 o'clock in the morning last day the Omizutori ritual is performed: monks with torches descend into the well under the temple and bring sacred water as a gift to the bodhisattva, and then distribute it to everyone.
Kofukuji
Kofukuji- the family temple of the Fujiwara family, who ruled Japan for centuries. This vast ensemble was often rebuilt; Of the ancient structures, two pagodas (five- and three-tiered) and two small octahedral temples are of interest. The main condo (“golden hall”) - there were three of them, as usual, has not been preserved, in 2010 its restoration will begin. After that, stunning sculptures made in 734 by order of Empress Komyo - a three-headed asura and other fantastic characters, as well as amazing portrait characteristics of 10 great disciples of the Buddha, will return to it. Huge sculptures of 1189, shining with gold and bright colors, will take their place - two buddhas (more than 3.5 m) and four heavenly guards (2 m).
Kasuga Taisha
Throughout its history Kofukuji was closely associated with the Shinto shrine Kasuga Taisha located on a wooded mountainside in the east of the city. The family shrine of the same Fujiwaras, it was founded in 768 and seemed to entrust the entire city located at its foot (with its huge Buddhist temples) under the protection of the ancient kami, Shinto deities. Until 1863, as a symbol of purification, it was dismantled and rebuilt every 20 years, but always according to the ancient model. The sanctuary consists of several courtyards, built up with numerous galleries and huts, mostly orange. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its wisteria ("Fujiwara" can mean "wisteria field") and lanterns (2,000 stone and 1,000 bronze) that are lit at the same time on February 3 and August 14-15 at 6 pm.
Deer:)
According to legend, one of the 4 guardian gods of Nara arrived here on a white deer, and since then spotted deer (sika) became a sacred animal in Nara. According to medieval law, deer could not be killed under pain of death, their sacredness was officially abolished only after the Second World War. Now there are about 1,200 lazy, well-fed deer in Nara, which roam the streets of the city in herds and impudently poke their muzzles (or hooves) at tourists, waiting for handouts: special crackers are sold everywhere for deer.
wonderful National Museum Nara located in two buildings in the city center. It has one of the finest collections of sculptures from the Nara (710–794) and Kamakura (1185–1333) periods in the country, numerous sculptures from temple collections are on permanent display, and ancient Chinese art, especially bronze vessels, is well represented.
Shin Yakushiji
Of the several small temples in Nara, Shin-Yakushiji (south of Kasuga-Taisha) should be mentioned - a small temple with a unique gable roof structure and excellent sculptures of heavenly guards surrounding the Buddha from all sides, in a circle (arrangement method known only here).
Toshodaiji
Toshodaiji Monastery is located western outskirts Nara, among small wooden houses and rice fields. Like other monasteries of the city, it has a clear geometric layout, but at the same time, its entire territory is overgrown with trees, which creates a special thoughtful, peaceful atmosphere, close to later Zen monasteries. Toshodaiji is especially remarkable in winter, when its old wooden buildings - kondo (golden hall) and kodo (sermon hall) preserved from the 8th century. - covered with snow. It is worth visiting the monastery at the beginning of summer, because only on June 5-7 you can see the strikingly vivid statue of the founder of the monastery, the Chinese monk Ganjin, created shortly after his death in 763. Other treasures of Toshodaiji are exhibited in temples and a small museum. Among them are two majestic statues of seated Buddhas (VIII century), the main temple images of kondo and kodo, as well as a huge (5.5 m) statue of 1000-hand Kannon.
Yakushiji Temple
There is another nearby great monastery, Yakushiji. You can walk to it. If you are afraid of getting lost, which, in principle, is impossible without much effort, you can virtually go through the same route in advance at the hotel with some interactive map. If there is Internet access, find map of Nara area very simple. Any available site-navigator will show what's what. Once, and in front of you map and Kyoto and Nara or
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 Imperial Palace, the construction of which was begun in the 16th century. The emperor of Japan and his family still live in it today. The territory of the palace is decorated magnificent garden furnished 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 Shinto shrine Meiji, surrounded by a magnificent park.
Beautiful views of the city can be admired from viewing platforms TV towers, 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, the political centers of the Japanese state were Kamakura and Nara, then they became the city of Kyoto. Since 1896, this status has passed to Edo, as Tokyo used to be called.
Nara city is the only one ancient capital Japan, which 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. IN temple complex Todaiji is home to 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.
