Kyoto vs. Tokyo

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Kyoto vs. Tokyo

• LIBR 500
• Heather Marker
• heathermarker_at_yahoo.com

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Kyoto vs. Tokyo

• A brief account of my trip to two spectacular
  Japanese cities. To my uninitiated western eye,
  these two cities seemed worlds apart. A
  comparison of Kyoto and Tokyo, based on my
  impressions, is the theme of this presentation.
  I hope youll enjoy.

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First, a few facts to orient you

• Kyoto
• Its name means capital
• Is a tourist mecca famous for its historical
  treasures
• Was home to the emperor and capital city from 794
  to 1603
• Has a population of 1.5 million, making it
  Japans 5th largest city

• Tokyo
• Its name means eastern capital
• Is famous for being (arguably) the most expensive
  city in the world
• Became the capital city in 1603
• Has a population of 10 million in central Tokyo
  the greater metropolitan area has a population of
  approx. 30 million

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An example of Kyoto architecture

• The architecture of Kyoto reflects its long
• history as the capital city. The city boasts
• some
• 1,600 Buddhist temples
• 400 Shinto shrines
• As well as
• 2 imperial villas
• 1 palace
• 1 castle
• Pictured at right is Sanjunoto (Three
• storied pagoda) at the Kiyomizudera
• Temple grounds.

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Examples of Tokyo architecture
Architecture in Tokyo is modern, but no less
awe-inspiring!
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The Pace of life in Kyoto

• During Kyotos winters, when tourists become
  scarce, one can experience the sites in their
  quiet beauty as intended. A little serenity is
  required if you hope to achieve a Zen state at
  the famous rock garden at Ryoanji Temple.

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But Tokyos bustle knows no season

• The streets are packed and often frantic, but
  always polite. In this urban jungle, refreshment
  for the fatigued trekker is never far away.
• Just look for one of the ubiquitous vending
  machines. They can and do vend almost anything
  of appropriate dimensions, but most commonly
  offer sustenance for the weary, like coffee, tea,
  and energy drinks, as well as warm soup, snacks,
  and beer.

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A symbol of wealth in Kyoto

• Kyotos three leveled Kinkakuji Templeor Golden
  Pavilionis a symbol of national wealth.
• Although only a replica of the original, which
  was built in 1397 and burned down in 1950, the
  gold leaf is real.

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A symbol of wealth in Tokyo

• This three story home in suburban Tokyo is
  symbol of personal wealth.
• A mansion by Tokyo standards, the structure
  occupies the entirety of the plot. There may be
  no yard, but there is a garden off the second
  floor balcony.

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Speaking of wealthA Saturday in Tokyo SHOPPING

• Tokyo-ites really like to shop! Some popular
  districts for shopping are
• Ginza
• for everything high-end
• Harajuku
• for everything cute and kitschy
• Shibuya
• for everything trendy
• Akihabara
• for everything electronic

(Shibuya on a Saturday afternoon)
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My pick for the best of Kyoto

• A visit to Sanjusangendo
• The temple houses 1001 statues, carved in the
  12th and 13th centuries, of Kannon, the Buddhist
  deity of compassion.
• The face and details of each statue are unique.
  According to tradition, the Japanese make an
  offering to the statue whose face most resembles
  their own or the face of the one for whom they
  pray.
• Want to find your likeness? Try this link to an
  extensive photo gallery of the statues at
  Sanjusangendo

http//rubens.anu.edu.au/new/japan/kyoto/sanjusan
gendo/
Photo source The National Treasure Sanjusangendo
visitor guide.
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My pick for the best of Tokyo

• People-watching, of course!
• Ultra-stylish, busy, and crowed, Tokyos streets
  are never, ever boring. And while Japan may have
  one of the most homogeneous societies in the
  world, its citizensespecially its youthtake the
  expression of individuality to extremes.

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But, to be fair

• My impressions make for a superficial
  comparison, and hardly do justice to either of
  these incredible and complex cities.
• Kyoto is of course a truly modern city. With a
  population of 1.5 million, it is major commercial
  and urban centeras busy as any of similar size.
• And of course Tokyos not all concrete, crowds,
  and neon lights. With 400 years as the capital
  city, evidence of Tokyos history is plentiful,
  and you can even find some peace and quiet in the
  heart of the cityfor example, in the garden of
  the Imperial Palace, pictured here.

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THE END
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• Resources
• All photos used in this presentation are my own,
  with the exception of the photo of Sanjusangendo,
  which was taken from the National Treasure
  Sanjusangendo visitor guide. No details of
  publication or ownership have been included in
  the guide.
• Statistical figures taken from Insight Guide
  Japan, ed. Scott Rutherford, Apa Publications,
  2002.
• Thanks to Christopher Thompson for creating the
  animated fish and rising sun!

THE END