Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The first street lamps are installed on Shijōdōri and the accession of Emperor Taishō is celebrated
throughout Japan (although he had officially become emperor three years prior).
1941
The Imperial Japanese Navy attacks the US Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in a strike de-
signed to prevent American interference in Japan's territorial expansion in Asia.
1966
Kyoto International Conference Hall opens at Takaragaike as the first international conference
hall in Japan. Takaragaike later serves as the site for the Kyoto Protocol agreement.
1981
Karasuma subway starts between Kyoto and Kitaō-ji stations, allowing easy north- south travel
through the city. The line later extends south to Takeda and north to Takaragaike.
1994
Kyoto celebrates the 1200th anniversary of its founding and 17 Historic Monuments of Ancient
Kyoto are registered as Unesco World Heritage sites, including Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji.
1997
The futuristic Kyoto Station building, featuring a 60m-high atrium over the main concourse,
opens in the same year as the Tōzai (east-west) line, Kyoto's second subway line.
2011
On 11 March, the Great East Japan Earthquake strikes off the northeast coast. While Kyoto suf-
fers no damage, there's a massive decline in tourist numbers.
