Kyoto has a very long history in the empire of Japan that historians can date back to 544, when the first "Aoi" festival was held in the city. Throughout its history, Kyoto has been a city of insight and intellectuals. Many new ideals and beliefs were first introduced in the city that changed the way Japan looked at the world. In fact, the first elementary school in Japan was founded in Kyoto. At one point, Kyoto was even the capital of Japan.

Between the 12th Century and 14th Century, the history of Kyoto can be described as chaotic and war-torn. Houses were divided, revolts broke out, and leaders changed. However, in 1392, the Northern and Southern dynasties were unified, and the fighting stopped. For a time after this, there was some clashing between emperors and local leaders who fought over individual power, but nothing on the scale of mass revolt or rebellion.

Many historic temples and shrines have been built in Kyoto, and thanks in part to the restoration and care put in to them by the locals, as well as the fact that during World War II Kyoto was not targeted for bombing, many of those temples and shrines still exist.

In recent years, Kyoto has hosted many international debates and forums for world order.