{Inter} Cultural Japan

As a “Kyotophile” I am glad to read in the Asahi that the Kyoto city government has decided to tighten building rules. For parts of central Kyoto this is already too late, but prevention of further damage is welcome. The proposed new rules:

• Building height for new buildings will go down from 45 to 31 meters.
• Flashing neon signs and overbearing rooftop billboards will be banned.
• Building restrictions for new construction projects near historical sites will become tougher.
• 38 popular city views will be protected, such as the view of the Mt Daimonji from the Kamo River .

[View from the terrace of Kiyomizu Temple - will this also be protected? Photo Ad Blankestijn]

The policy is designed to protect the city’s many historical sites. Especially vulnerable are gardens with shakkei, borrowed scenery. There are many of these and I am glad to read that at least the view of Mt Hiei from the garden of Entsuji about which I have written in these pages will be protected.

It is no use for Kyoto to try to become a second Tokyo. Visitors come here because of the traditional buildings, the temple gardens, the green hills and the few remaining historical cityscapes. If Kyoto loses these, it will be lost itself.

Note: also read an ironical take on the subject by Japanvisitor Blog.