Kinki Region

Kinki Region Presentation

Major Cities of Kinki & Economic Information:

- Kyoto
Former capital of Japan and the residence of emperors from 794 to 1868.
It is famous for its temples, shrines, and other historical sites.
Estimated population: 2.6 million.

- Osaka
Is the financial center of western Japan. It is an industrial center as
well, especially for chemicals, machinery, steel, and metal. Osaka is a
base connecting Tokyo and Kyushu by the Bullet Train. Estimated
population: 2.6 million.

- Kobe
One of western Japan's most important ports for commerce. Estimated
population: 1.5 million.

* Rice and citrus-fruit production, lumbering, and fishing are all
important to the Kinki region's economy.

Temples in Kyoto:

- Nanzenji Temple
Considered the most famous and important Zen temple in the world. Is
home to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.

- Kiyomizu Temple
Located in eastern Japan and was established in 798.

- Chionin Temple
Home to the Pure Land sect of Buddhism. In October 2002, was used in
the filming of the Tom Cruise movie The Last Samurai.

Japan's Largest Lake:

- Lake Biwa
The largest freshwater lake in Japan. Is located just 10 minutes from
Kyoto. It is divided into a North Lake and a South Lake with an average
depth of the Noth Lake being 50 meters (164 ft.) and the average depth
of the South Lake being 5 meters (16 ft.).