Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for more than thousand years (794-1869), and its Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, palaces and classical gardens have become symbol of the Japanese cultural tradition, art & architecture. Seventeen Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto are on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: "Kyoto illustrates the development of Japanese wooden architecture, particularly religious architecture, and the art of Japanese gardens, which has influenced landscape gardening the world over.”

Nara was the capital of Japan during the 8th century, from 710 to 784. Nara was Japan's first capital and the seat of the Emperor. Listed as UNESCO World heritage site for its historic monuments, dating from the 8th century. The Buddhist Monuments in the nearby Horyu-ji Area are listed as another World Heritage Site, some of its structures date from the late-7th or 8th century, which makes them some of the oldest wooden buildings in the world.