The Great Kyoto Fire of Temmei in 1788 was a catastrophic event that destroyed the Imperial Palace and a significant portion of the city, affecting over 80 percent of Kyoto's cultural capital. This disaster prompted a reevaluation of urban planning and fire prevention measures in the city. The fire not only had immediate devastating effects but also shaped the future architectural and cultural landscape of Kyoto.

The Great Kyoto Fire of Temmei in 1788 resulted in the loss of invaluable library scrolls, prompting a national movement towards rural printing houses. This decentralization of literary culture influenced Japanese poetry circles, allowing for a broader dissemination of poetic works beyond the confines of Kyoto.