Kizugawa, Kyoto

Kizugawa
木津川市
City

Flag

Location of Kizugawa in Kyoto Prefecture
Kizugawa

Location in Japan

Coordinates: 34°44′N 135°49′E / 34.733°N 135.817°E / 34.733; 135.817Coordinates: 34°44′N 135°49′E / 34.733°N 135.817°E / 34.733; 135.817
Country Japan
Region Kansai
Prefecture Kyoto Prefecture
Government
 • Mayor Noriko Kawai
Area
 • Total 85.12 km2 (32.87 sq mi)
Population (December 1, 2015)
 • Total 74,054
 • Density 870/km2 (2,300/sq mi)
Symbols
 • Tree Cherry blossom
 • Flower Cosmos
Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
City Hall 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
Website www.city.kizugawa.lg.jp

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.

Kizugawa City is one of the few municipalities in Japan with a growing population. In a population estimate released by the Japan Policy Council, Kizugawa City is the only municipality in Kyoto Prefecture predicted to have a positive population growth rate by 2040.

History

Kizugawa City Hall

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

A montage of Kizugawa City
From upper left, clockwise: Kaijyūsen-ji, The Kids' Science
Museum of Photons, Fukujyuen Cha Research Center, Æon Mall Takanohara, Kuni-kyō Ruins, Kizu River

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:

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:

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:

Other attractions include:

Education

Postsecondary

High School

Junior High School

Elementary School

Friendship city

Notable People

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Monday, December 21, 2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.