Ancient capital of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan

Confucianism penetrates from China, Chinese writing and many other elements of Chinese culture are adopted. During the period of strengthening political ties with China in the 8th century. In Japan, a new capital is being built - Nara, which has a regular rectangular layout and architecture with a noticeable Chinese influence.

(Japan) began to be built at the beginning of the 8th century. in the valley of the same name. During most of the 8th century. Nara was the residence of the Japanese Emperor and was called Heijo - the Capital Citadel of the World. Among the city's shrines, Todaiji Temple occupies the main place. This is an entire temple complex with the largest wooden building in the world - the Hall of the Big Buddha (Daibutsuden). The length of its façade is 57 m, its height is 50 m. The main building of the temple was erected in the middle of the 8th century; the entire ensemble was completed only by the beginning of the 18th century. Sangatsu-do Temple ("March Temple") is considered part of Todaiji, although it appeared much earlier than it. It houses a monument of global significance - a wooden sculpture of the bodhisattva Kannon, dating back to the 8th century. Founded in the 8th century. The Kasuga Shinto Shrine contains valuable exhibits from the Heian period (late 8th – 12th centuries). Among other buildings, the Heijo Palace and several temples, incl. "Tomb Temple" Takamatsuzuka.

In the 9th-10th centuries, as a result of the construction of a new capital - (in the area of ​​modern Kyoto) - a new period in the development of Japanese architecture began. The city of Kyoto (Japan) has been the imperial capital of the country since its founding at the end of the 8th century. and until the middle of the 19th century. Kyoto was built on the model of the then capital of China - the city of Chang'an. The city was planned in the form of a rectangle, elongated from north to south and divided into regular blocks with one-story buildings. The northern part of Kyoto was occupied by the Imperial Palace, surrounded by the estates of the nobility. Lower-class townspeople lived in the southern part of the city. A mandatory part of the house was a garden - a carefully protected piece of wildlife. A Japanese garden, be it a tiny plot or a large park with ponds, gazebos, bridges, mossy stones, always represents an object of subtle and serious creativity. Kyoto's nearly two thousand Buddhist and Shinto temples perfectly illustrate the development of Japanese wooden architecture. The “calling card” of Kyoto and one of the greatest masterpieces of Japanese culture is the rock garden in the Buddhist temple of Ryoanji.

(Japan) are located near Kyoto. The small city of Uji was founded in the 4th century. Among its many Shinto and Buddhist shrines, the temples Byodo-in (11th century), Kosho-ji (17th century) and Mampuki-ji (17th century) stand out. In the city of Otsu there is one of the largest temple complexes in the country - Mii-dera (7th century). It includes about 40 temples and structures. Another attraction of the city of Otsu is the Buddhist monastery Enaryaku-ji (VIII-IX centuries) on Mount Hiei.

XIV-XV centuries in Japan are marked by the widespread construction of feudal castles and palaces, competing with each other in the originality of their solutions and the splendor of their gardens. As a result of the establishment in the 16th century. military dictatorship and the development of trade relations with Europe, elements of European fortification were introduced into Japanese architecture. With the help of Portuguese engineers, fortresses were erected, reminiscent of the feudal castles of Europe, with light multi-tiered superstructures on a powerful stone foundation.

(Japan) - one of the most famous, largest and most beautiful in the country. This masterpiece of wooden Japanese architecture was built during the time of the first shoguns (military rulers of Japan) in the early 17th century. The castle includes 83 buildings with a well-developed defense system. Moats, embankments and walls with stone foundations increased the defensive capabilities of Himeji several times. The outer walls of the castle are covered with white plaster, and the lines of its gray multi-tiered roofs resemble the wings of a bird soaring into the sky. Perhaps this is why the Japanese call Himeji “White Heron Castle”. Throughout its history, the castle has never been attacked or burned, making it one of the best-preserved castles in Japan.

The last capital of Japan is Edo(modern Tokyo) - was founded at the beginning of the 17th century. In the planning and development of the new capital, the influence of Chinese architecture completely disappears. Numerous imperial palaces, asymmetrical in plan, are being built; the skill of creating gardens and parks is at a high level. After the bourgeois revolution of 1867, the process of Europeanization of Japanese culture began.

(Japan) was formed in the mountains in the southwest of the island of Honshu, at an altitude of about 600 m. The remains of extensive silver mines are preserved here. The first mining settlements began to appear here in the 16th century. Work on the extraction of silver ore and smelting of the metal was carried out until the twentieth century. Since then, smelting furnaces, transport routes, and monasteries have been preserved. Silver from Iwami Ginzan was exported to Korea and China and had a significant influence on the development of not only Japan, but throughout East and Southeast Asia.

(Japan) was built in 1951-1952. in Peace Park in the city center. It is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. On that day, a significant part of the city was almost instantly destroyed, 70 thousand people died, another 140 thousand died later from radiation sickness, burns and wounds. In the park-museum there is a monument to the 12-year-old girl Sadako Sasaki, a victim of that disaster. The main monument of the memorial, the Genbaku Dome (“Atomic Dome”), is the ruins of an exhibition center built at the beginning of the twentieth century. Through the efforts of the residents of Hiroshima, this building was preserved in the form in which it appeared after the explosion. The memorial expresses hope for world peace and the elimination of nuclear weapons.

The city of Tokyo is not only a political, but also a major cultural and scientific center of the country. It is one of the largest and is home to more than 13 million people. Over the past decades, the modern capital of Japan has become an international financial and economic center, and continues to develop.

The city begins its history with the construction of a fort in the 12th century. Several times it was severely damaged by powerful earthquakes; during World War II, most of it was destroyed by bombing. But by the middle of the last century, the capital of Japan was completely restored, industrial enterprises and scientific institutions began to operate. Today, almost all large enterprises have been moved outside the city limits, leaving only knowledge-intensive and high-tech industries.

Sights of Tokyo

The most famous landmark of the city is the Imperial Palace, the construction of which began in the 16th century. The Emperor of Japan and his family still live there today. The territory of the palace is decorated with a magnificent garden, arranged in the national style.

The capital of Japan is famous for its numerous religious complexes, numbering 2953. One of the most famous is the Meiji Shinto Shrine, surrounded by a magnificent park.

You can admire beautiful views of the city from the observation decks of the TV tower; in good weather, Mount Fuji, the symbol of Japan, can be seen from here. The most popular attractions among tourists are: DisneySea Park with water attractions, the Japanese Tama Zoo, and the electronic town of Akihabara.

Ancient capitals of the country

Currently, Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and in the entire history of the country there have been four. At first, the political centers of the Japanese state were Kamakura and Nara, then the city of Kyoto became it. Since 1896, this status has passed to Edo, as Tokyo was formerly known.

The city of Nara is the only ancient capital of Japan that managed to preserve its original appearance. The ancient monasteries located here allow you to see the shrines of early Buddhism. The most famous of them is Horyuji Monastery. The Todaiji Temple complex houses a grand bronze statue of Buddha.

Another former capital of the country, the city of Kamakura, located on the ocean coast, has become a resort center with numerous restaurants and hotels. It is decorated with two hundred temples. The main attraction of the ancient city is a majestic open-air bronze cast in the 13th century.

The city of Kyoto, formerly the capital of Japan, has now become the administrative center of the prefecture of the same name. In the 13th century it was known as a major cultural and religious center. It became famous for its skilled artisans who produced porcelain and ceramics, accessories for temples and tea ceremonies, silk products, high-quality paper and much more. The high reputation of goods from Kyoto continues to this day.

The capital of Japan, Tokyo, is located in the southeast of the island of Honshu. This is a modern technological city, one of the main centers of world economic relations, political life, industrial development and cultural values. Today the city covers the territory of several small islands, and the city itself is divided into 23 large districts. Tokyo is governed by a governor, and the city itself is the seat of the Japanese imperial family.

The history of the city dates back to the ancient era. The first fortress on this territory was built in the 12th century, and after 4 centuries the city, which was named Edo, became the capital of the shogunate. As a result of the Meiji Revolution, the city that had already been named Tokyo becomes the capital of the state. It’s not for nothing that the capital of Japan is called a city of contrasts. Along with dilapidated architectural structures in Tokyo you can find modern skyscrapers. From the ancient street winding through the blocks you can enter the modern quarter with many shopping markets and supermarkets.

The ancient fortress, which laid the foundation for the capital, was transformed into an imperial palace. The castle is spread over an area of ​​just over 7 square kilometers. Until the mid-20th century, the palace consisted mainly of wooden blocks and parts. Therefore, it was often destroyed by fires, and in World War II it was completely destroyed by bombing. Now the palace has been reconstructed and consists of three floors (one of them is underground). It is a national treasure, so tourists have limited access to it. Only the Eastern part of the palace is accessible to visitors at certain times.

For those who want to learn more about the history of the capital, the Edo Museum is organized. The appearance may cause confusion, because it rather resembles a futuristic building. But in reality, the museum contains many reminders of the era when Tokyo was a small village.

Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo city

Tokyo is home to temples of the Buddhist and Shinto religions. The most famous temple is Meiji Jingu. It is notable for the fact that Japanese Emperor Meiji is buried here along with his wife. That is why it is considered a symbol of Tokyo, and is also the largest Shinto shrine. Noteworthy are the Sensoji Temple, which has a 53-meter-high pagoda, and the Yasukuni-jinja Temple, where the souls of fallen warriors are remembered. Next to it is the Yushukan Military History Museum. In the city, despite urbanization, there are national parks. Tokyo owns part of Mount Fuji National Park, a sacred mountain for the people of the Middle Kingdom.

Inventive Japanese engineers were able to build an analogue of Disneyland - Tokyo Disneyland. It is located in a residential area of ​​Tokyo. Disneyland contributed to the development of the hotel and entertainment complex, as well as the emergence of a marine park. Tokyo Disneyland is a diverse amusement park with nearly 50 attractions on a variety of themes and is one of the most visited entertainment destinations in the world.

Entertainment venues are mainly located in the Shibuya area. The area is home to several large skyscrapers, as well as the headquarters of Japanese and foreign companies. The Shibuya area is unique in that in addition to clubs and boutiques, you can visit theater performances and museum tours.

The population of the city of Tokyo is 12.5 million people. It is the capital of Japan and the center of the prefecture of the same name, which is located on the island of Honshu.

Tokyo capital of Japan

Tokyo is the capital of the Japanese state, its administrative, commercial and industrial center.

Tokyo on the map of Japan

Tokyo city video. Very beautiful.

A Brief History of Tokyo

In the 15th century, the Edo Fortress was built on the coast of Honshu. In 1590, the castle was captured by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa and Edo shogunate received the status of the capital of the shogunate, and Kyoto remained the imperial capital. In 1615, Ieyasu's troops defeated the enemies of the Tokugawa - the Toyotomi clan, and thanks to this, the Tokugawa clan ruled Japan for three hundred years. During the reign of the shogunate, Edo developed rapidly and in the 18th century became one of the largest cities on the globe.

In the 19th century, the Meiji Restoration took place, as a result of which the shogunate was overthrown and power returned to the hands of the emperor. In 1869, Emperor Mutsuhito renamed Edo to Tokyo and made it the imperial capital. At the end of the 19th century, shipbuilding and industry began to actively develop, and a railway was built between Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe and Osaka.

On September 1, 1923, an earthquake of incredible force occurred in Tokyo and nearby areas, which claimed the lives of 90,000 people.

Photo of Tokyo, 1923

During World War II, the city was often subjected to devastating bombings. The air attack on March 8, 1945 killed more than 80,000 people. After Japan's surrender, the United States occupied Tokyo. Several American army bases are still located here.

In the second half of the 20th century, Japan's economy began to develop rapidly, and in 1966 it became the second largest in the world after America. This revival was called the “Japanese Economic Miracle.” In 1964, the Summer Olympics were held in Tokyo.

Sights of Tokyo

Samurai Sword Museum

Fans of Japanese bladed weapons simply need to visit this museum, which houses all kinds of samurai weapons and armor. The impressive collection includes katanas, wakizashi, tanto, tachi and many other deadly, yet beautiful items.

Museum exhibits

Imperial Palace and Garden

In the center of Tokyo stands the Castle of the Emperor of Japan, which was built in the 16th century.

The palace area is divided into two parts - western and eastern. In the western one, in the Fukiage garden, there is the emperor’s castle itself with personal chambers, rooms for his relatives and employees. Visitors are not allowed here. The bright Eastern Garden of the Imperial Palace blooms in the eastern wing.

Photo of the imperial palace

Tokyo Tower

One of the main attractions is the Tokyo Tower. Residents call it Tokyo's Eiffel Tower. For a long time it was the tallest tower in the world. It has two observation decks from which you can admire a beautiful panorama of the city and Tokyo Bay.

Photo Tokyo Tower

In 2003, the Roppongi Hills complex of buildings was erected, which houses several floors of shops, offices of major companies, a Hyatt hotel, a television studio, a cinema, a concert venue and countless restaurants and eateries.

On the top floor there is an excellent observation deck, which offers views of the whole of Tokyo.

Tea ceremony at Happoen Garden

If you visit Japan, you definitely need to attend a tea ceremony. It lasts about half an hour and is held on a tatami or at a table.

Happoen Garden

Omote-sando and Harajuku Fashion Center

Residents proudly call Omote-sando Avenue Tokyo's Champs Elysees. Branches of the most famous fashion and design companies are located here. Young people love to walk around this beautiful area and spend their free time here.

Omote-sando Street

Meiji Shrine

Emperor Meiji made a huge contribution to the history and development of Japan. On the threshold of the 20th century, he was able to transform Japan, which was backward and closed from the outside world, into a powerful world power. After the death of the emperor, the Japanese erected a beautiful temple in honor of the great reformer and his wife.

Photo Meiji Shrine

Man-made island in Tokyo Bay Odaiba

You can book a cruise on the Sumidagawa River, which is crossed by 13 bridges with a unique history. The last destination of the voyage will be the man-made island of Odaiba. Showrooms of such large companies as Panasonic and Toyota have been built on the island. It is especially beautiful here at night - you can admire Tokyo at night with countless lights and the most beautiful landmark - the Rainbow Bridge.

Photo Odaiba Island

Ginza - shopping center of Tokyo

This area is home to some of Tokyo's best shopping and dining. The only negative is the very high prices.

Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji is the largest fish and vegetable market in the land of the rising sun; auctions are held here where tuna is sold. The price of one mascara can reach tens of thousands of dollars. At 6 o'clock in the morning, numerous sushi bars open near the market, where you can taste sushi made from freshly caught fish.

Tokyo fish market

Article genre - Cities of Japan

This term has other meanings, see Capital (meanings). The capital is the official main city (less often a megalopolis) of the state. The capital, as a rule, houses the highest bodies of power and administration: the residence of the head of state (monarch... Wikipedia

The art of the East Asian state, occupying approx. 4 thousand islands in the western part of the Pacific Ocean. The most ancient monuments of art belong to the Jomon culture (4th – mid-1st millennium BC). These are clay vessels wrapped with herbal... ... Art encyclopedia

Cover of issue 40 41 for 1915 with a reproduction of “Venus and Adonis” by Rubens “Capital and Estate” St. Petersburg (Petrograd) “magazine of beautiful life”, as noted in the program article ... Wikipedia

Administrative divisions of Japan Prefectural level Prefectures of Japan (都道府県 to do: fu ken) Lesser level units ... Wikipedia

Provinces of Japan are the historical regions of Japan that existed before the modern division into prefectures. Each region consisted of several counties (郡 gong, or kori). Initially, the division into regions was not only geographical, but also... ... Wikipedia

Historical regions of Japan Provinces of Japan (Japanese 国 kuni ... Wikipedia

Capital Riga ltsh. Rīga Flag Coat of Arms ... Wikipedia

The style of this article is non-encyclopedic or violates the norms of the Russian language. The article should be corrected according to the stylistic rules of Wikipedia... Wikipedia

Paleolithic Jomon ... Wikipedia

Prefectural level Prefectures of Japan (都道府県 to do: fu ken) Lesser level units ... Wikipedia

Books

• Magazine "Book Industry" No. 1 (153). January-February 2018, . The New Year 2018 starts with optimistic forecasts. According to the results of the traditional Christmas survey, 64.7% of experts believe that in 2018 the book market will show an increase in turnover by 5-7...
• Peacock love. Poems, tanka and haiku, Lyudmila Maletskaya. This book is a collection of poems, tanka and haiku. The collection includes both the author's early poems and works of a later period. Subtle, melodic, meaningful, full...