Kizugawa, Kyoto
| Kizugawa 木津川市 | ||
|---|---|---|
| City | ||
| ||
 | ||
  Kizugawa | ||
| Coordinates: 34°44′N 135°49′E / 34.733°N 135.817°ECoordinates: 34°44′N 135°49′E / 34.733°N 135.817°E | ||
| Country | Japan | |
| Region | Kansai | |
| Prefecture | Kyoto Prefecture | |
| Government | ||
| • Mayor | Noriko Kawai | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 85.12 km2 (32.87 sq mi) | |
| Population (July 31, 2013) | ||
| • Total | 72,120 | |
| • Density | 850/km2 (2,200/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) | |
| Symbols | ||
| - Tree | Cherry blossom | |
| - Flower | Cosmos | |
| Address |
Kizu Minami-gaito 110-9, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture (京都府木津川市木津南垣外110-９) 619-0286 | |
| Phone number | 81-(0)774-72-0501 | |
| Website | City of Kizugawa | |
 |
Kizugawa (木津川市 Kizugawa-shi) is a city located in southern Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. It is the southernmost city in the prefecture and it is named after the Kizu River, a tributary of the Yodo River, which runs through the city. Kizugawa City is a part of the Kansai Science City project and houses research facilities of several corporations, including Rohto Pharmaceutical and Omron.
As of July 31, 2013, the area the city occupies had an estimated population of 72,120, with 26,805 households and a population density of 850 persons per km². The total area of the city is 85.12 km².
History
The modern city was established on March 12, 2007, from the merger of the towns of Kamo, Kizu and Yamashiro (all from Sōraku District).
In the Nara period, Emperor Shōmu moved the capital from Heijō-kyō to Kuni-kyō, which was located on Kizugawa City's ground. Kuni-kyō served as the capital for 5 years from 740 to 744. Its ruins can be found in Kamo area. Now, Kizugawa City is a part of the national Kansai Science City project.
Geography
Kizugawa City is located on the southern border of Kyoto Prefecture. The Kizu River, from which the city inherits its name, runs through the city.
Business
Kansai Science City and Enterprises
Being a part of the Kansai Science City project, Kizugawa City houses over 20 enterprises and research facilities including:
- Rohto Pharmaceutical (ロート製薬)
- Omron (オムロン)
- Sekisui House (積水ハウス)
- Fukujyuen (福寿園)
- Ataka Daiki Engineering (アタカ大機)
- Tatsuta Electric Wire Cable Co. (タツタ電線)
- M-system (エム・システム)
- Manyo Tools (マンヨーツール)
- Mizuho Co. (株式会社ミズホ)
- Solno Leaves Co. (ソルノリーブス)
- Kyoto Press Industrial Co. (京都プレス工業)
Also, Doshisha University Gakkentoshi Campus(学研都市キャンパス), which focuses on graduate studies in biomedicine, and Doshisha International School, Kyoto (DISK) are also located in Kizugawa City.
Other public and private research organizations in Kizugawa City include:
- International Institute for Advanced Studies (IIAS, 国際高等研究所)
- Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE, 地球環境産業技術研究機構)
- Japan Atomic Energy Agency Kansai Photochemistry Research Center (日本原子力研究開発機構関西光化学研究所)
Transportation
Kizugawa City serves as a commuter town for Osaka City, Kyoto City, and Nara City. Osaka City and Kyoto City are both within an hour by car or train, and Nara City is reachable in 15 minutes. Kizugawa city currently have JR and Kintetsu railways running through the city and a growing community bus system.
Rail
Kizugawa City is a key stop in railway system in Kansai. The JR Nara Line, Gakkentoshi Line, and Kansai Main Line converge at Kizu Station. Also in the west part of the city runs the Kintetsu Kyoto Line.
Bus
Kizugawa City Community Bus (木津川市コミュニティバス) and Nara Kotsu Bus (奈良交通バス) run in Kizugawa City.
All Kizugawa City Community Bus buses, excluding Tono Line (当尾線), have a fixed fare. Kizugawa City Community Bus 1-Day Tickets are available at the city hall, branch offices, and on Kizugawa City Community Buses. They are useful for residents and visitors for traveling to several locations in the city.
Tourism
Kizugawa City is the home of several famous temples including:
- Jōruri-ji (浄瑠璃寺): Main Hall, main Buddha image, and 3-story pagoda listed as National Treasures
- Kaijyusen-ji (海住山寺): 5-story pagoda listed as a National Treasure
- Gansen-ji (岩船寺): 3-story pagoda listed as a Important Cultural Property
- Kaniman-ji (蟹満寺): main Buddha image listed as a National Treasure
Other attractions include:
- Kuni-kyō Ruins
- The Kids' Science Museum of Photons (きっづ光科学館ふぉとん)
- Yamashiro Local History Museum (ふるさとミュージアム山城)
Education
Postsecondary
- Doshisha University, Gakkentoshi Campus
High School
- Nanyō High School
Junior High School
- Kizu Junior High School
- Kizu Daini Junior High School
- Kizu Minami Junior High School
- Izumigawa Junior High School
- Yamashiro Junior High School
Elementary School
- Kizu Elementary School
- Kizu Elementary School Kaseyama Campus
- Saganaka Elementary School
- Takanohara Elementary School
- Kizugawadai Elementary School
- Saganakadai Elementary School
- Umemidai Elementary School
- Kunimidai Elementary School
- Kamo Elementary School
- Minami Kamodai Elementary School
- Kamikoma Elementary School
- Tanakura Elementary School
- Doshisha International Academy Elementary School
Friendship city
- Kyōtango, Kyoto (From Jan 11, 2008)
Notable People
- Yui Yokoyama, member of AKB48
- Hiroyasu Tanaka, Central League baseball player
External links
Media related to Kizugawa, Kyoto at Wikimedia Commons
- Kizugawa City official website (Japanese)
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
