Heian-kyo, which means 'capital of peace and security' was the old name for modem Kyoto (which means 'the capital'). The Heian period dates from 794 when the imperial court moved from Nara to the new capital, Heian-kyo, to 1185 (or 1191) when the Kamakura bakufu was established. In retrospect the Heian period is seen as a 'golden age' for the court nobility, and modem Shinto draws heavily on Heian costume and custom for its archaic and imperial character.
A Popular Dictionary of Shinto. Brian Bocking.