Historic MonumentsofAncient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)

Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji, and Otsu Cities)  
Established in A.D. 794, modeled after the capitals of ancient China, Kyoto served as Japan's imperial capital from its inception until the mid-19th century. For over a millennium, Kyoto has been the heart of Japanese culture, showcasing the evolution of wooden architecture, especially in religious structures, as well as the artistry of Japanese gardens, which have significantly influenced global landscape gardening practices.

Outstanding Universal Value  
Brief Synthesis  

The Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto encompass seventeen distinct components located in the cities of Kyoto and Uji within Kyoto Prefecture, as well as Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture. Founded in A.D. 794, Kyoto has been a pivotal cultural hub and the imperial capital until the 19th century.

As the focal point of Japanese culture for more than a thousand years, Kyoto reflects the progression of wooden architecture, particularly in religious contexts, alongside the development of Japanese gardens, which have left a lasting impact on landscape design worldwide. The majority of the 198 structures and 12 gardens that constitute the seventeen components were constructed or designed between the 10th and 17th centuries.

All seventeen components of the designated site are religious institutions, with the exception of Nijo-jo Castle. Collectively, they span an area of 1,056 hectares, complemented by a buffer zone of 3,579 hectares.

Criterion (ii): Between the 8th and 17th centuries, Kyoto emerged as the principal center for the advancement of both religious and secular architecture, as well as garden design. This central role was instrumental in shaping Japanese cultural traditions, particularly in garden design, which has had a significant influence on global practices since the 19th century.

Criterion (iv): The combination of architectural and garden design found in the remaining monuments of Kyoto represents the pinnacle of this facet of Japanese material culture during the pre-modern era.

Integrity

While each of the distinct buildings, complexes, and gardens that constitute the inscribed property reflects various unique historical periods, their collective presence illustrates the broader historical evolution of Japanese architecture and gardens.

The seventeen component elements collectively offer a clear insight into the history and culture of the ancient capital. Furthermore, the property presents a comprehensive representation of Japanese culture across an extensive timeframe. Consequently, the integrity of the property is maintained in both its entirety and preservation. Additionally, each of the seventeen individual components demonstrates a significant level of individual integrity.

Given that the dispersed components are situated within an urban environment, uncontrolled development poses a risk to the overall visual integrity of the inscribed property.

Authenticity

In accordance with the Japanese tradition of restoration and reconstruction, the buildings and gardens that make up the property exhibit a significant degree of authenticity. While it is uncommon for entire structures or even sections of them to have survived in their original state since their inception, the steadfast adherence to the original design, ornamentation, and materials that has characterized Japan for over a thousand years has ensured that the current appearance closely aligns with the original edifices. This commitment to authenticity has been further solidified since the implementation of the Ancient Shrines and Temples Preservation Law in 1897. Repairs or replacements are conducted solely on damaged areas, with meticulous documentation and scientific analysis guiding the process. Although garden preservation faced challenges in the years following World War II, since 1965, garden conservation has been integrated into the initiatives supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, executed with the same rigorous approach to excavation and research. Those engaged in this work have made considerable efforts to utilize traditional materials and methods, even going so far as to replicate original tools.

Previous restoration efforts that employed unsuitable materials or techniques have been rectified through repairs grounded in thorough research, devoid of speculation. Components of both the wooden structures and gardens are replaced only when absolutely necessary, with a strong emphasis on historical accuracy. The authenticity of craftsmanship is further enhanced through detailed examination of techniques and the application of suitable tools. Most of the one hundred ninety-eight buildings within the designated property remain in their original locations.

Consequently, the buildings and gardens that constitute the property maintain high levels of authenticity regarding their form and design, materials and substance, traditions and techniques, as well as their location and setting.

Protection and Management Requirements

All structures and gardens within the property are safeguarded under the 1950 Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. Out of the one hundred ninety-eight buildings, thirty-eight are classified as National Treasures, while one hundred sixty are recognized as Important Cultural Properties. Regarding the twelve gardens, eight are designated as Special Places of Scenic Beauty, and four are classified as Places of Scenic Beauty. According to the 1950 Law, any proposed modifications to the property are subject to restrictions, requiring approval from the national government or local authorities for minor changes.

The enforcement of building regulations is rigorously applied within the buffer zones, and there is ongoing dialogue between the city government and property owners to ensure a balance between the preservation of the property’s integrity and urban development. These buffer zones fall under the Historic Environment Control Area, where development activities are regulated by (i) the National Parks Law, (ii) the Ancient Capitals Preservation Act, (iii) Scenic Zones as per the Shiga Prefecture Scenic Zone Ordinance or the Kyoto Prefecture Scenic Zone Ordinance, and/or (iv) designated areas under the City Town Planning and relevant municipal regulations. Outside the buffer zones, building heights in urban areas are also governed by the Historic Environment Control Area.

In response to Uji City’s initiatives in 2000, Kyoto City established a new landscape conservation policy and strategy in 2007, aimed at reinforcing height restrictions for buildings and improving design standards.

Regarding ownership of the inscribed property, religious organizations possess sixteen of the seventeen components, while Kyoto City owns the remaining component, Nijo-jo Castle. Daily management falls to the individual owners, who are responsible for necessary maintenance, including seismic retrofitting.

Given that fire poses the most significant threat to the property, the monuments are equipped with automatic fire alarms.