Hidden Paths: Walking Historical Kyoto

Kyoto is a city rich in history. A lot of the physical evidence of that history has though long since disappeared as it is also a city that has witnessed the ravages of fire, earthquakes, and civil wars. It is said to be a spiritual land, chosen as the capital city for the emperor Kammu to take up residence in the year 794. Surrounded almost totally on the north, east, and west sides by mountains and wooded hills, to the south the land stretches out to Osaka. With its narrow streets, mix of old and new architecture, peaceful rivers, and close at hand nature, it is a city that holds on to its past tightly whilst embracing the future with open arms. This book does not serve to give an in-depth historical story of Kyoto or even of the areas that the walks are situated in. This books is a taster, a guide to open the doors to the curious who want to see some of the city and suburbs that may be hidden by either time or modern life. Regardless of which ever part of Kyoto you find yourself in, you will always find a story. With this book it is hoped that the reader will use these walks to take it upon themselves to delve deeper. In this volume the four walks that have been chosen all played a role in a significant part of Kyoto’s history and also still bear physical evidence or scars in many of the locations from when that history actually happened. Read the descriptions either before starting the walks or as you go along, take your time to enjoy each part, many of the locations have more information on site, and most of all enjoy Kyoto!