Muko, Residential city in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.
Muko is a residential community in Kyoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, covering 7.72 square kilometers (2.98 square miles). The town sits at the southwestern edge of the Kyoto Basin, bordered by the Nishiyama mountain range to the west and the Katsura River to the east.
In the late 8th century, Emperor Kanmu established the capital of Nagaoka-kyo within the present boundaries of this community. After less than a decade, he moved the government to Heian-kyo, later known as Kyoto, following illness among members of the imperial court.
The Saigoku Kaido was built in 1592 as a trading route between Toji temple in Kyoto and Nishinomiya Shrine in Settsu Province, running through the center of town. Today this historic road is lined with traditional wooden houses and local shops that residents and visitors still use daily.
Express trains from Hankyu Kawaramachi run every ten minutes and require a transfer at Katsura for a total journey of about 13 minutes. Most points of interest and shops sit close to the three train stations, making the area easy to explore on foot.
In February the velodrome hosts a spicy foods festival where participants compete in a pepper race and a local cooking contest. Visitors can sample unusual hot dishes from the region at various vendor stalls.
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