Kyoto

Kyoto is a city in Japan that has a population of 1.5 million and time zone
UTC + 9 hours. It was once the capital of Japan and now is the capital
of Kyoto prefecture.

History

Kyoto was the capital or Heian Kyo of Japan from 794 until the transfer of
the government to Tokyo in 1868 at the time of the Imperial Restoration.
Located on the middle-western portion of the island of Honshu the city is
surrounded by mountains.

Though archaeological evidence places the first human settlement on the
islands of Japan to approximately 10,000 BC, the Kyoto area was not settled
until the 7th century by the Hata clan from Korea. During the 8th century,
when the powerful Buddhist clergy became meddlesome in the affairs of the
Imperial government, the Emperor chose to relocate the capital to a region
far from the Buddhist influence.

Geography

The city was laid out in a logical grid pattern in accordance with
traditional Chinese geomancy. Today, the main business district is located
in the south and centre of town with the less populated northern area
retaining a far greener feel.

Because Kyoto is surrounded by mountains on all sides, it is infamous for
its stifling summer nights with no air movement.

Kyoto has following wards: Fushimi-ku, Higashiyama-ku, Kamigyou-ku, Kita-ku,
Minami-ku, Nakagyou-ku, Nishikyou-ku, Sakyou-ku, Shimogyou-ku, Ukyou-ku and
Yamashina-ku.

Demographics

As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 1,466,163 and the
density of 2,402.68 persons per km². The total area is 610.22 km².

Kyoto people speak a dialect called Kyotoben, a slightly archaic version of
Osakaben (the Osaka dialect). It is most noticeable in the unique Kyotoben
word for "thank you" - "ookii-ni".

Culture

Kyoto is renowned for its abundance of delicious foodstuffs. Unlike the
volcanic Kanto region the rich soil of Kyoto allows for the cultivation of a
variety of vegetables, and the various bodies of water provide ample
fishing.

Kyoto is considered the cultural center of Japan. During World War II when
firebombing was conducted throughout the country Kyoto and its 1600 Buddhist
temples, 400 Shinto shrines, palaces, gardens and architecture was spared.
Kyoto has some of the finest temples in Japan, including:

   * Uji's Byodoin (the world's oldest wooden structure, which appears on
     the 5 yen coin);
   * Kiyomizu tera, a magnificent wooden temple supported by pillars off the
     side of a mountain;
   * Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion;
   * Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion;
   * Heian Jingu, arguably Japan's most famous Shinto shrine.
   * Ryoan-ji, famous for its rock garden

Other notable sites in and around Kyoto include Arashiyama and its
picturesque lake, the Philosopher's Walk, and the canals which line some of
the older streets.

The "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto" are listed by the UNESCO as World
Heritage Sites.

Economy

Kyoto is home to the main headquarters of Nintendo, as well as its domestic
division, Nintendo of Japan.

The car manufacturer Daihatsu operates a plant in Kyoto.

Colleges and universities

   * Kyoto university

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