Kamakura is the ancient capital of Japan. ancient capital of japan

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 the cultural capitals of Japan and convey the atmosphere 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 area, along the edges of which majestic temples and shrines rise.

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 of the Japanese State was laid.

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 guarded international heritage UNESCO (pictured).
• Todaiji is a large Buddhist monastery built during a bad harvest in the city of Nara. Todaiji is considered to be the largest wooden building 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 in summer or winter, 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 the national museum of the city. Here is a great variety of sculptures and household items, the inhabitants of Japan in the VIII century.
• The famous park of domesticated deer.

Kyoto

During the time of the great Emperor Kammu, Japan was plunged into Time of Troubles. 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 became not only the political but also the religious center of the country. 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 destination 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. The temple complex, with a 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 of the world want to enjoy the views from a 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 in the Golden Age 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 take the bullet 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, there is no direct route from Tokyo to Nara. 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

Confucianism penetrates from China, Chinese writing and many other elements are adopted. Chinese culture. 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 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 - the Big Buddha Hall (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 - a wooden sculpture of the bodhisattva Kannon, dated to the 8th century BC. Founded in the 8th century Shinto shrine Kasuga contains valuable artifacts from the Heian period (late 8th-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 mid-nineteenth V. 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. The northern part of Kyoto was occupied by the Imperial Palace, surrounded by the 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. A Japanese garden, whether it is a tiny area or a large park with ponds, gazebos, bridges, mossy stones, is always an object of fine 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 greatest masterpieces Japanese culture is the rock garden at Ryoanji Buddhist Temple.

(Japan) are near Kyoto. The small town of 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 are being built that resemble the feudal castles of 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 early XVII V. The castle includes 83 buildings with a well-developed defense system. 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. Numerous imperial palaces, asymmetrical in plan, on high level is the skill of creating gardens and parks. 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. Smelting furnaces, transport routes, monasteries have been preserved since then. 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. The main monument of the memorial - Genbaku Dome ("Atomic Dome") - is the ruins of 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.

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 the amazing scenery 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. Perfect option- 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 that also runs on 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 ancient monasteries with their countless priceless artistic treasures 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 precisely Japanese works give 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 statue Buddhas 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. that later - the building acquired its modern look 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, whose oldest building, Hokkedō (740-747), contains magnificent sculptures from 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 10 great disciples of the Buddha. 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 at its foot (with its huge Buddhist temples) under the protection of ancient kami, Shinto deities. Until 1863, as a symbol of purification, it was dismantled and rebuilt every 20 years, but always ancient pattern. 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 contains one of the best collections of sculptures from the Nara (710-794) and Kamakura (1185-1333) periods in the country, numerous sculptures from the collections of temples are constantly exhibited, and ancient chinese art, especially bronze vessels.

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 on the western outskirts of 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