When I was a student, remembering the year of historical events were always struggles to me. However, I still do not forget what I memorized. The transfer of the national capital in 794 by Emperor Kanmu (桓武天皇) is one of them.

At that time, there used be a gate called Rashomon (羅生門), 21 meters in height and 35 meters in width, soaring to the sky at the capital’s front entrance. Must have surprised so many visitors by its magnificence.

The gate was destroyed twice by heavy wind and rain, and is buried still in the soil without being reconstructed. The remains has not been discovered yet.

Today, a one-tenth scale model of Rashomon is displayed at the north concourse of JR Kyoto station. With a lot of ogres and ghost stories, Rashomon takes you to the mysterious world of ancient Kyoto. Please visit and take a look.

Akane Kibune

Kyoto Expert Certificate 1st Grade