Since Kyoto was the capital city of Japan, many rulers, politicians, artists, literary figures, and religious leaders had close ties with Kyoto.

Emperors have been especially important to Kyoto, which includes Emperor Kanmu, who made Kyoto the capital and started the Heian Period to the final emperor of the period, Antoku. Closely tied with the Emperors were the Fujiwara, beginning with Fujiwara no Kamatari who served as regents and whose daughters were wives to the emperor, such as Fujiwara no Michinaga.

Some of the more interesting emperors were highly influential in culture or in politics. Some of our favorites are as below:

While emperors have set the tone for art and culture, military leaders, shoguns, regents, and others have often controlled the wealth and power of Japan.

Kyoto has been a center of spirtual leaders, thinkers, and movements. Some of the more famous include:

Kyoto has been the home to many great writers including:

Some of the great artists of Kyoto include:

Some of the more interesting samurai and leaders include: