Kizugawa, Municipal center in southern Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Kizugawa is a municipality in southern Kyoto Prefecture that follows the river and is surrounded by gentle hills. Residential areas alternate with rice fields, patches of forest, and modern research facilities located on the city outskirts.
Between 740 and 744 an imperial capital called Kuni-kyo stood here before being abandoned. The present municipality was formed in 2007 through the merger of several smaller towns in the region.
The name comes from the river that winds through the plains and has irrigated rice paddies for centuries. Buddhist temples from different eras draw pilgrims who meditate in quiet gardens or pray before ancient statues.
Trains connect the municipality to Nara in about 15 minutes and to Osaka or Kyoto in under an hour. Temples and residential areas are spread out, so a bicycle or car helps for exploring beyond the station area.
Part of the Kansai Science City lies here, with laboratories and facilities for material research and energy. Scientists from different disciplines work in a quiet setting among fields and forests.
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