Dynastic culture thrived some 1,200 years ago in Heian-kyo, heavily influenced by mainland Asian, especially Chinese, culture. Over time, it developed its own idiosyncrasies and permeated all aspects of life: clothing, architecture and food. The invention of the kana syllabary spawned waka poetry, essays and novels. For 800 years the Reizei clan has kept the waka traditions and other aristocratic rituals alive. The roots of today's Japanese culture can be seen in elements of dynastic culture.

Gardens are miniatures of nature. The first ornamental gardens go back to the 8th century. The Heian nobility held events, rituals and pleasure-boat parties in their gardens. The structure of Kyoto gardens changed over the centuries, copying landscapes. In the late 19th century, garden designer Ogawa Jihei constructed an expansive garden that captures the view of Kyoto's mountains. Discover Kyoto's horticultural culture through the work of a modern garden designer, a plantsman and a mason.

Kyoto boasts upwards of 1,000 shinise businesses, each more than 100 years old, many of which are in the food industry. Kyoto cuisine is the foundation of washoku Japanese cuisine, and these shinise are its core. Their trade names, signboards and noren curtains convey the philosophy and principles of operating a shinise. The spirit of the artisans focuses on honoring traditional skills and conventions while concentrating on the future. Discover Kyoto's culture through its timeless food culture.