In October 794, the capital was moved to the present-day city of Kyoto by Emperor Kanmu, giving birth to the Heian-kyo Capital.
Since then, the culture and traditions that have been nurtured over the more than 1200 years of Kyoto’s history have a great relationship with Kyoto’s natural environment.
In particular, the Kamo River, which flows through the center of the Kyoto basin, along with the Kitayama and Higashiyama mountains, has been a symbol of the beauty of Kyoto since the Heian period, and many arts have been created in harmony with this nature.
This river’s high-quality water and fertile soil, along with the abundance of groundwater, are also the source of Kyoto’s food culture.
And still today, with its beautiful seasonal expressions, it is one of the relaxation and refreshment place for the citizens of Kyoto.　You can take a walk or ride a bicycle and feel nature while still being in the city.