Kannon Bosatsu is warmly worshipped, a comfort for the heart. The subject of many paintings and statues, he saves people across Buddhist sects. The 11-faced Kannon faces each direction in search of people to save. The 1,000-armed Kannon holds objects used to relieve people's anguish. Kiyomizu-dera, where memorial services are held for him, attracts worshippers seeking salvation. Watch a sculptor carve a statue of Kannon. Discover the deep faith Kannon has drawn among Kyotoites over centuries.

In the late 1800's Kyoto architects and builders were the first to embrace change as Japan modernized. They incorporated the unusual Western designs into their buildings, changing the cityscape with its many temples and shrines. The great achievements of these pioneers remain today, used as public institutions, places of learning, worship and business. Conspicuous yet congruous, they represent the dawn of a new era. Discover the modern architecture in the ancient capital, whose colors never fade.

Kyogen is a traditional performing art, popular in Kyoto for more than 600 years. Noh evolved at around the same time and draws many of its tragic plots from historical events. But Kyogen is more accessible, because it uses the vernacular and draws humorous themes from everyday situations, such as blunders and marital tiffs and other events. The Shigeyama family has been active in the art since the early 1700s. Mibu Kyogen evolved as religious drama. Discover the Kyoto's culture of laughter.