Kyoto Prefecture (Japan)

Kyoto Prefecture, situated in central Honshu Island, Japan, covers an area of 4613 square kilometers and has a population of 2,602,000 people (1990). It is a large-population, self-governing body and 56.1 percent of the population is concentrated in the prefecture capital, Kyoto. Kyoto ranks the seventh most populated city in Japan.

Tertiary industry is the prominent industry by far, in which the proportion of the population involved in the service, wholesale and retail sectors are all higher than the national average. Kyoto, being a tourist city, accounts for a large proportion of Kyoto Prefecture’s population that is involved in tertiary industry.

Modern industry has formed a high-tech enterprise group. For example, the Shimadu Corporation mainly produces advanced medical equipment and aviation equipment. Kyoto Fine Ceramics engages in the development and application of new pottery materials, to produce cutting edge high-tech products including advanced cameras. The Omron Tateisi Electronics Company developed and produced a range of advanced electrical machines. The high-level women's underwear produced by the Wakalu (transliteration) Company is ranked at a first-class level worldwide and is exported to overseas markets. In addition, Kyoto's textile, printing and fiber manufacturing industries in Uji and Ayabe, Maizuru’s shipbuilding, flat glass, and chemical industries among others also occupy an important position in Kyoto Prefecture’s industry.

Traditional industries have had a long history and broad mass distribution. Kimono production has been very popular. As a result of changes in modern Japanese life, kimonos have become even more detached from modern life, and the kimono industry has experienced serious recession. Other traditional industries include pure water ceramics, Kurita ceramics, embroidery, bamboo products, lacquerware and Japanese fans. It is worth mentioning that since ancient times, Kyoto Prefecture has been one of a handful of Japanese wine producing areas and its yield is in the forefront of the entire nation.

Kyoto Prefecture has limited arable land. Large tracts of paddy fields can only be found in the Kyoto basin or small basins among mountains. Agricultural work has been highly concentrated and mechanized, but yield per unit area is less than the national average. The outskirts of Kyoto and other areas are mainly developing their vegetables and fruit-growing industries. Around the Kyoto basin, cenetered at Uji, there is a large tea garden, with abundant "Uji tea." "Uji Tea" is a special product of Kyoto; it has a long history, good quality and is at the national forefront for amount of yield. Tulips produced in the Tango region were among the best in Japan. Along the Yura River in the Fukuchiyama Basin, mulberry is grown. Former sericulture industries flourished there but now are experiencing recession. Fukuchiyama is the center of animal husbandry including feed cows, beef cattle, pigs and chickens.

Forests account for 75% of Kyoto Prefecture’s total area. There are large areas of cedar forests and cypresses. The Tanba plateau produces Tanba trichotoma matsutake and Tanba chestnut and is well known in Japan. Fishery resources include mackerel, sardines and other fishing grounds to amount to a total of 93,000 of annual fish catch (1985). Kyoto Prefecture is currently committed to the development of the incubation and release of hatchling sea creatures such as sea bream and abalone, so as to transform the fishing industry from a fishing-based industry to a culture-based one.

Kyoto has been the center of Japanese culture since ancient times. About 17 percent of the national treasures (223 items) and important cultural relics (1969) are located in Kyoto Prefecture. In addition, there are many more cultural heritage artifacts that have not been designated. Flower arranging and tea ceremony are Japan's two major traditional arts. These schools were all produced in Kyoto.

Kyoto is also a modern cultural city. There are many public and private museums, libraries, art galleries, concert halls, as well as traditional and modern theaters.

Kyoto Prefecture is favored by tourists for its long history and beautiful landscapes. Kyoto’s folk festival is also extremely popular with Japan's domestic and foreign tourists. There are many famous historical and cultural tourist sites in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture.

Kyoto, as the birthplace of Japanese culture, is famous as the capital of knowledge. The city is home to 24 universities including Kyoto University which is a national university, Doshisha University, a private university, and Ritsumeikan University. There are also 22 short-term universities and one national specialized technical college.