The ‘capital capital’ Kyoto

Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for more than thousand years. It lost this status in 1868 when the emperor Meiji moved his court to Tokyo. The inhabitants of Kyoto seem to still regret this unfortunate turn of history. A guide in Kyoto reminded in a subtle way that ‘Tokyo’ means ‘east of the capital’ and ‘Kyoto’ ‘capital capital’.
Kyoto inherited however an almost overwhelming legacy of ancient Buddhist temples, majestic palaces and gardens of every size and description of which ‘The Golden Pavilion’ (picture left) is probably the most famous.
Kyoto became world-famous again in 1997 when the United Nations held a conference in Kyoto on climate change. An agreement was found to reduce carbon dioxin emissions by 2008 and 2012, forcing a response by the industrialized economies. Results maintain to be seen).
Today, an impressive very modern steal-grey Kyoto station ’temple' can be admired. It was designed by Hara Hiroshi and includes the station, shopping mall, hotels and shops of all kind. Very modern and beautiful.