Kyōto

Kyōto, or MIAKO, for over a thousand years the capital of Japan (q.v.), is situated on a flat plain about 26 miles inland from Osaka. A high range of hills to the east separates this plain from Lake Biwa, and on these some of the finest temples connected with the city are built. The city is rectangular in form, the longer streets running north and south, parallel to the Kamo River, which flows along the base of the ridge. At the northern end are situated, in an enclosure, the plain wooden buildings where the emperors of Japan dwelt so long in seclusion. The Honganji temples of the Mōto sect of Buddhists, fine structures of their kind and the centre of the Buddhist faith in Japan, rise at the southern end of the city. The streets, though narrow, are clean and attractive, and the whole city has an air of refinement. The singing-girls of Kyōto are noted for their graceful dances. The pottery, porcelain, crapes, velvets, and brocades of Kyōto are highly esteemed; its embroideries, enamels, and inlaid bronze-work, are marvels of skilful handicraft. Pop. (1895) 318,280.