A pointed boulder with a large stone at its foot reaches for the heavens. The white gravel between them represents a swift flowing river, without the use of water. Karesansui is a unique dry-gardening style that developed in the 14th century from ascetic practices at Kyoto's Zen temples. Monks aim for enlightenment within a world of rippling patterns that run between curious rock arrangements. Enter the infinite Zen cosmos through the karesansui gardens at Tenryu-ji, Daisen-in and Ryoan-ji.

Nishijin-ori symbolizes the ancient capital's elegance and luxury. The obi-weaving process is divided into detailed tasks, such as mon-template design and yarn dying. Each artisan has a specialist role. With a deep sense of responsibility and a mutual trust, they strive for higher levels of perfection. Noh costumes have unsurpassable beauty. Some artisans weave with their fingernails. This magnificent textile meshes the city's 1,200 year-old history and the fervor of artisans through the ages.

The ancient capital has many shinise, or established businesses, with unbroken histories. Kyoto Prefecture classes a firm founded at least a century ago as shinise. Over generations, more than 1,100 Kyoto shinise have maintained imperial court culture and life; and provided for temples, shrines, samurai clans and the common people. Through the ups and downs, they have upheld their trade, reputations and family mottos; and kept the Kyoto entrepreneurial spirit of status and trust alive.