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Kyoto City is located in the southern part of Kyoto, and surrounded by mountains in three directions: east, north and west. Also, the Kamo River and Katsura River flow in the east and west sides of town respectively. This natural backdrop suits the calm atmosphere of town and produces the beauty of Kyoto in each of the four seasons.

Kyoto has been a center of politics, religion and culture for more than 1,000 years, since it became the capital—called Heian-kyo—in 794. Many festivals, arts and types of entertainment were created and their elegance has been maintained over centuries, and further refined in the modern age. Buddhism flourished in the Heian Era, flower arrangement was established in the Muromachi Era and the tea ceremony was developed in the Azuchi-Momoyama Era. They are popular examples of arts preserved over many years.

These arts are the pride of Kyoto’s people and draw visitors from across the world.