Learn How to Pronounce Kyoto | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Kyoto
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Meaning and Context
Kyoto, the imperial capital of Japan from 794 until 1868, is a city where the nation's classical heart beats strongest amidst modern life. Renowned as a premier destination for cultural tourism, its cityscape is a living museum featuring over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, including the iconic golden Kinkaku-ji and the serene Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of vermilion torii gates. The historic districts of Gion and Pontocho offer glimpses into traditional arts, where geiko (the Kyoto term for geisha) and maiko entertain in preserved wooden machiya townhouses. As a cornerstone of the Kansai region and a pivotal part of any Japan travel itinerary, Kyoto's profound historical heritage, from its exquisite Japanese gardens to its kaiseki cuisine and seasonal festivals like Gion Matsuri, embodies the timeless aesthetic and spiritual depth of traditional Japan, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site magnet for millions of global visitors.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The spelling "Kyoto" is standardized in the Hepburn romanization system and is almost universally correct. Common misspellings and typos often arise from phonetic misinterpretations or keyboard errors, such as "Kyota," "Koyto," or "Kiyoto." Another frequent error is the omission of the second 'o', resulting in "Kyto." In non-English contexts, especially prior to modern standardization, one might encounter older transliterations like "Kioto," which was used in some European languages and historical documents. It is also important to distinguish "Kyoto" from "Tokyo," as the transposition of syllables is a common mistake for those unfamiliar with Japanese geography. The city's name in Japanese characters is 京都, which literally means "capital city."
Example Sentences
No visit to Japan is complete without spending several days exploring the temples and gardens of Kyoto.
During the cherry blossom season, the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto becomes a tunnel of breathtaking pink blooms.
Many travelers find that staying in a ryokan in the Higashiyama district deeply enhances the traditional Kyoto experience.
The Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty adopted in that city in 1997, was a landmark agreement on climate change.
To see a maiko gracefully hurry to an appointment in the early evening is to witness a living piece of Kyoto's cultural heritage.
The meticulous craft of Kyoto's artisans, from Nishijin-ori textiles to Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, has been refined over centuries.
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