Tradition and Modernity in Kyoto, Japan’s Ancient Capital | Free Talk Event Series
Schedule
Fri Feb 13 2026 at 08:00 am to 09:30 am
UTC+11:00Location
28 Broadway, Chippendale, Level 4, Central Park, Chippendale, NSW, Australia, New South Wales 2008 | Surry Hills, NS
FREE TALK EVENT SERIESIn Person & Online
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Kyoto is one of the top tourism destinations in Japan, where cultural monuments are still visible in the contemporary landscape. Kyoto was Japan’s old capital and the emperor’s residence from 794 until 1868. The city is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites including Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kinkaku-ji Temple, which you are probably familiar with through social media.
On Day 1, Dr Matthew Stavros will introduce Kyoto’s rich history for past and future travellers, or anyone who wants to gain a deep appreciation for a place that has been at the centre of Japanese culture from the very beginning. You will learn Kyoto’s historical and cultural significance directly from a historian who used to reside in Kyoto.
On Day 2, Dr Hannah Gould will explore how Shintoism, Buddhism and other religious traditions can be found in everyday life in contemporary Kyoto. If you’ve ever wondered about the differences between shrines and temples, or if you are not sure how to worship in these religious sites, this is the talk for you.
Whether you’ve been to Kyoto or not, these talks will provide you with a deeper understanding of how Kyoto’s long history is engraved in the cityscape, and how religion is woven into the everyday fabric of life in contemporary Kyoto.
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EVENT INFO
February 13 (Friday), 2026
6:00pm-7:30pm AEDT
60min talk + Q&A
February 20 (Friday), 2026
6:00pm-7:30pm AEDT
60min talk + Q&A
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ADMISSION
Free; bookings not required
Attend onsite, in-person or watch online via JPF Sydney's Facebook Page. There will be no video recordings available.
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VENUE
The Japan Foundation, Sydney
Level 4 (via lifts)
Central Park
28 Broadway
Chippendale NSW 2008
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MORE INFO
https://sydney.jpf.go.jp/events/kyoto/
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ENQUIRIES
02 8239 0055 / [email protected]
Where is it happening?
28 Broadway, Chippendale, Level 4, Central Park, Chippendale, NSW, Australia, New South Wales 2008, 28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia, Surry Hills
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