ABSTRACT
Kyoto, a city of picturesque mountains and placid waters, was the ancient capital of Japan and seat of the Imperial Court for nearly 11 centuries (794-1868). Kyoto’s long and abundant cultural heritage made it a fountainhead for still viable traditions in politics, the economy, and education; it set the standards for elegance throughout Japan. Today, after 1,200 years, its traditions harmoniously coexist with ultra modern high technology among the 1.5 million citizens looking toward the 21st century. All this is symbolized by a skyline blending modern skyscrapers with the graceful curvatures of numerous shrine- and temple-roofs; authoritative pagoda towers may be glimpsed against green mountains.
