Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The head priest of Yasaka-jinja leads a procession through the streets of Kyoto in an effort to end
a series of epidemics that had plagued the city. This is the origin of today's Gion Matsuri.
10th century
The centre of the city gradually shifts east, closer to the Kamo-gawa and the Higashiyama. Dur-
ing this time, imperial properties in the west are abandoned.
1052
The Byōdō-in Buddhist temple is established. The following year, the famous Hōō-dō (Phoenix
Hall) is built. The temple is one of the best examples of Heian-era architecture.
Mid-12th century
The name Kyoto (written with two Chinese characters that mean 'capital') starts to replace the ori-
ginal name of the city, Heian-kyo ('peaceful capital').
1168
The priest Eisai travels to China and observes Chang Buddhism. He later introduces this as Zen
Buddhism in Japan. He also introduces the practice of tea drinking.
1192
Minamoto Yoritomo is appointed shōgun and establishes the political capital in Kamakura. While
the imperial court remains in Kyoto, the real power centre of the country leaves the city.
1202
Eisai establishes the Zen temple Kennin-ji, under sponsorship of shōgun Minamoto no Yoriie. It
remains one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples.
Early 13th century
The priest Hōnen, troubled by divisions between Japan's major Buddhist sects, establishes a new
populist sect known as Jōdo (Pure Land) Buddhism. He fasts to death in 1212.
Mid-13th century
The priest Shinran preaches a radical doctrine that becomes known as Jōdo- Shinshū (True Pure
Land Buddhism). Followers establish the vast Higashi-Hongan-ji and Nishi-Hongan-ji.
1281
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