Heian-kyō
Heian-kyō was Japan’s capital from 794 until 1868. Established by Emperor Kanmu, it developed into the city now known as Kyoto.
Emperor Kanmu: The fiftieth emperor of Japan, who reigned from 781 to 806 and established Heian-kyō in 794. He moved the imperial court to Heian-kyō, making it Japan’s new capital.
Heian-kyō grid: The orthogonal street plan of Heian-kyō, arranged around a north–south central avenue. The grid translated court hierarchy and administrative order into the city’s layout.
Heian period: A period of Japanese history from 794 to 1185, named for the capital at Heian-kyō. The city’s founding marks the beginning of the era associated with its court culture.
Shimogamo Shrine: A Shinto shrine in Kyoto, traditionally regarded as one of the city’s oldest. Its sacred grounds preserve a landmark in the landscape around Heian-kyō.
Nagaoka-kyō: Japan’s capital from 784 to 794, before the court moved to Heian-kyō. Its troubled construction and political circumstances preceded Kanmu’s relocation to Heian-kyō.
Kuge: The hereditary court nobility of Japan, whose members served the emperor and held high offices. Kuge households clustered near the palace, shaping the capital’s political and residential life.
Kyoto: A city in central Japan that served as the imperial capital for more than a millennium. Kyoto is the modern city that grew from Heian-kyō.
Kamigamo Shrine: A Shinto shrine in northern Kyoto, historically connected to the Kamo clan and imperial court. Its court ties show how religious institutions became part of the capital’s civic life.
Fujiwara no Tanetsugu: A courtier who directed construction of Nagaoka-kyō and was assassinated in 785. His assassination destabilized Nagaoka-kyō, which Kanmu soon abandoned for Heian-kyō.
Shinden-zukuri: An aristocratic residential style of the Heian period, organized around a main hall and garden. Its residences reflected the wealth and social organization of Heian-kyō’s court elite.