Kizugawa (木津川市, Kizugawa-shi) is a city located in southern Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.[1] 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 1 September 2022[update] the city has an estimated population of 79,171.[2]
Kizugawa
木津川市 | |
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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 | |
![]() Flag ![]() Emblem | |
![]() Location of Kizugawa in Kyoto Prefecture | |
![]() ![]() Kizugawa Location in Japan | |
Coordinates: 34°44′N 135°49′E | |
Country | Japan |
Region | Kansai |
Prefecture | Kyoto Prefecture |
First official recorded | 3rd century AD |
City Settled | March 12, 2007 |
Government | |
• Mayor | Noriko Kawai |
Area | |
• Total | 85.13 km2 (32.87 sq mi) |
Population (September 1, 2022) | |
• Total | 79,171 |
• Density | 930/km2 (2,400/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC+09:00 (JST) |
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 |
Symbols | |
Flower | Cosmos |
Tree | Cherry blossom |
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.
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.
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.
Per Japanese census data,[3] the population of Kizugawa has grown in recent decades.
Year | Pop. | ±% |
---|---|---|
2000 | 58,809 | — |
2010 | 69,761 | +18.6% |
2020 | 77,907 | +11.7% |
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:
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.
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 Kintetsu Kyoto Line.
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.
Kizugawa City is the home of several famous temples including:
Other attractions include: