A traditional town house in Kyoto.
Kyoto is often called "Japan's heartland." It is said one cannot
know the real Japan without knowing Kyoto. Founded in the eighth
century, Kyoto boasts a long history as a cultural, artistic and
religious center. It was Japan's capital and the emperor's
residence from 794 until 1868.
Kyoto is now the country's seventh largest city, with a
population of 1.4 million people and a modern face.
(CRI April 10, 2007)