An Introduction to Kizugawa City

Kizugawa City was formed in 2007 through the joining of Kizu, Kamo, and Yamashiro towns, and has a growing population of around 75,000 people and 28,000 households as of December 2016.

Kizugawa City is rich in water, nature, and history, and strives to be a frontier for culture creation.

 

Location

Kizugawa City is located in the southern tip of Kyoto prefecture, just north of Nara City. Thanks to its central location, the city is well served by road and frequent rail service to a number of nearby cities. Nara City is 15 minutes away by train and both Osaka and Kyoto City can be reached in around 45 minutes, all homes to a number of historical and cultural treasures. With Shinkansen high-speed rail to all of Japan available in Kyoto and Osaka (approx. 45 minutes to Nagoya, 2 hours 30 minutes to Tokyo or Fukuoka), and both Osaka Itami Airport (with direct flights to most cities) and Osaka Kansai International Airport within easy reach, Kizugawa is a very convenient city.

 

About Kizugawa City

Kizugawa City is blessed with an environment rich in nature and is home to numerous historical sites. From 740 to 745, Kunikyo, the capital of Japan, was in Kizugawa City. Kizugawa City is home to many national Designated Tangible Cultural Properties, including the former capital building site, as well as temples such as Joruri-ji and Kaniman-ji.

Kizugawa City is an active constituent of the Kansai Science City. The laboratories and various fields of research have brought academics from all over the world to Kizugawa City, thus giving it an international character.

In addition, Doshisha University established Doshisha Interntional Academy, a Japanese/English bilingual international school, in Kizugawa City in September 2011. At this academy, children of foreign researchers and returning students from abroad have the chance to interact and learn with local students. In March 2012, Doshisha International School, Kyoto was awarded International Baccalaureate World School status and currently offers the IB Diploma Program. Now, the school is in the process of attaining authorization to offer the IB Primary Years Program in the future.