Importance of Kyoto

Kyoto is the capital of Japan. It is a city without defensive walls and only one major symbolic gate, as it is the seat of imperial power and tradition and honor maintain it is above and beyond being approached or attacked by any military force since it is the home of the Emperor, the Retired Emperor, and their family. Kyoto, as a sign of the changing times, becomes the scene of battle when Yoshitsune’s father kidnaps the Retired Emperor, and later becomes a place of battle during the civil war between the Taira, Minamoto, and Kiso’s mountainous samurai.