Kyoto Story Guide — ABOUT

A thousand-year capital has countless historical interpretations and scholarly theories. What is presented here is not a contest of academic consensus, but a story for walking the city — one interpretive thread drawn from surviving remains, documents, and the traditions still passed on in the streets.

We value the weight of documented history and the romance of tradition in equal measure, and we hope to unravel the stories behind familiar scenery. May this guide lead you on a journey through the layers of history beneath your feet.

Documented fact and tradition are distinguished throughout. Map tiles are provided by GSI Japan (connection required). Data is stored on your device and can be read offline.

Fact and Tradition in this Story

To deliver Kyoto’s history faithfully, this app distinguishes two kinds of source.

• 1. Documented fact (documents and official records)
  Events recognised as fact. These are stated with confidence.
• 2. Tradition (the anecdotes that colour history)
  Stories passed down without firm evidence. Events carry a “To be verified” mark, and the text uses expressions such as “is said to have”.