Kyoto Prefecture is located in Japan’s Kansai region and has long flourished as a center of politics and culture. Under the old provincial system, it encompassed all of Yamashiro Province, most of Tanba Province, and all of Tango Province. In particular, Kyoto City prospered as Japan’s capital and the Emperor's residence from the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo in 794 until the Meiji era. Even today, Kyoto remains one of Japan’s most iconic cities, known for its rich history and traditions, attracting many tourists from both Japan and abroad.
Geography and Terrain
Kyoto Prefecture is situated in the central part of Honshu, on the northern side of the Kansai region, facing the Sea of Japan to the north. It stretches about 140 kilometers from south to north. It borders Shiga and Mie Prefectures to the east, Hyogo Prefecture to the west, Nara and Osaka Prefectures to the south, and Fukui Prefecture to the north.
About 75% of the prefecture is covered by mountains and hills. In the north, the Tango Peninsula, Maizuru Bay, and Wakasa Bay open to the Sea of Japan, forming a beautiful coastline. The central region features the Tanba Highlands and Kameoka Basin, while the southern area is home to the Kyoto Basin, where historic towns and farmlands have developed.
Notable mountains include Mount Hiei, Mount Atago, and Mount Oe, offering scenic landscapes rich in nature throughout the prefecture. Rivers such as the Yodo River system (including Katsura, Uji, Kizu, Kamo, and Takano Rivers) and the Yura River system flow through the region, playing a vital role in agriculture and daily life since ancient times.
Climate Characteristics
The climate of Kyoto Prefecture varies greatly depending on the area.
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Northern region (Tango, Maizuru, Ayabe area): This area has a Sea of Japan climate, with harshly cold winters and heavy snowfall, making it a heavy snow zone. Influenced by a maritime climate, it remains humid throughout the year.
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Central to southern region (Kyoto City, Kameoka, etc.): This area has characteristics of an inland climate and Seto Inland Sea climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Kyoto City, in particular, is known for its "basin climate," which causes humid, sweltering summers and severe cold in winter known as "bottom cold."
Thus, even within the same prefecture, there are significant differences in climate and natural environment between the northern and southern regions.
Features and Attractions of Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto Prefecture is blessed with a long history, rich culture, and abundant natural beauty.
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History and Culture: Centered around Kyoto City, many shrines, temples, and traditional cultural sites remain, including numerous temples and historic buildings registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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Natural Scenery: In the north, visitors can enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery along the Sea of Japan and the nature of the Tango Peninsula, while in the central and southern regions, mountains and basin landscapes dominate the view.
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Industry: Traditional crafts and tourism are thriving industries. Especially in the northern Tango area, local industries such as silk textiles, notably "Tango Chirimen" crepe fabric, are well-known.
Summary
Kyoto Prefecture is a region that symbolizes Japan’s history and culture while offering breathtaking natural scenery and the beauty of changing seasons. With the Sea of Japan's coastal views in the north and historical townscapes in the south, Kyoto presents diverse attractions that continue to captivate countless visitors.
