What is the name of the ancient capital of Japan, associated with imperial power and culture?

• A. Nara
• B. Kyoto
• C. Tokyo
• D. Osaka

Answer: (B)

Kyoto serves as a significant historical and cultural center in Japan, often recognized as the ancient capital associated with imperial power. Established as the capital in 794 when Emperor Kammu moved the seat of government from Nara, it flourished as a political and cultural hub for over a millennium. The city is renowned for its classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, which all contribute to its rich cultural heritage.

Kyoto was the heart of the Japanese imperial court, and many of the country's historical figures and cultural practices can be traced back to this city. It was also a center of learning and the arts, fostering the development of significant practices like tea ceremonies and distinctive styles of poetry and painting. Its importance as a capital lasted until the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century when Tokyo became the new capital, but Kyoto’s legacy persists in its role as a symbol of Japan’s history and culture.

While Nara was also an important early capital, recognized for its temples and as a political center, it was primarily the first capital of Japan from 710 to 794. Tokyo, on the other hand, is a much more modern city that became prominent as a new