Which city was Japan’s imperial capital for many centuries before Tokyo took over that role?

Kyoto was the seat of the Japanese imperial court from 794 to 1868 and was therefore the country’s political and cultural center for more than a millennium. The city was originally called Heian-kyō. In 1868, during the Meiji Restoration, Emperor Meiji moved his residence to Edo. The city was then renamed Tokyo, meaning “eastern capital”. Kyoto nevertheless preserved an exceptional number of historic temples, shrines and palaces, and it remains one of Japan’s most important cultural centers.

Kyoto was the seat of the imperial court from 794 to 1868, before Tokyo took over that central role.

Next question in Countries and capitals

Start Countries and cultures quiz More questions in Countries and capitals Go to Countries and cultures

Similar quiz questions

Countries and capitals · Normal

What does the name “Tokyo” literally mean?

Play question

Countries and capitals · Normal

Which present-day Japanese city grew from the site of Heijō-kyō, Japan's first permanent capital?

Play question

Countries and capitals · Easy

What is the capital of Canada?

Play question