古都(こと)

こと
noun
ancient capital
1. ancient capital
A city that served as a capital in the past. In Japan, this most commonly refers to Kyoto and Nara.
京都(きょうと)は日本(にほん)の古都(こと)だ。
Kyoto is an ancient capital of Japan.
古都(こと)を訪(おとず)れて歴史(れきし)を感(かん)じた。
I visited the ancient capital and felt the history.
秋(あき)の古都(こと)奈良(なら)は紅葉(こうよう)が美(うつく)しく、多(おお)くの観光客(かんこうきゃく)が訪(おとず)れる。
The autumn leaves in the ancient capital of Nara are beautiful, attracting many tourists.

In Japan, 古都(こと) most commonly refers to 京都(きょうと) and 奈良(なら). The word carries a sense of historical prestige and cultural richness. The 1966 Ancient Capitals Preservation Law (古都(こと)保存法(ほぞんほう)) designates Kyoto, Nara, and Kamakura among others as protected historic cities.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 古都(こと)を訪(おとず)れる: to visit the ancient capital
  • 古都(こと)の風情(ふぜい): the atmosphere of an ancient capital
  • 古都(こと)巡(めぐ)り: touring ancient capitals
general
Added 2026.2.18 15:08
11500/11804_koto