Nagaokakyō, Kyōto Prefecture, Kansai Region, Japan

🇯🇵 Nagaokakyō is a city located in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 September 2023, the city has an estimated population density of 4,700 persons per km². The total area of the city is 19.17 square km (7.40 sq mi).

Geography Nagaokakyō is located in south-western Kyoto Prefecture. The Obata River and Koizumi River flow through the city. The topography is low from the north-west to the southwest. The area is noted for its bamboo forests.

Neighboring municipalities Kyoto Prefecture • Kyoto • Mukō • Otokuni District (Ōyamazaki); Osaka Prefecture • Mishima District (Shimamoto).

History The city was founded on October 1, 1972 replacing the town of Nagaoka, which was in turn incorporated by three villages on October 1, 1949. The name of city is derived from Nagaoka-kyō, the ancient Japanese capital Emperor Kanmu established there from 784 until 794. The major part of the capital including the imperial palace was in the area of present-day Mukō.

The villages of Otokuni, Kaiin-ji and Shinkotari in Otokuni District, Kyoto were established on April 1, 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system. These villages merged on April 1, 1949 to form the town of Nagaoka, which was elevated to city status on October 1, 1972, taking the name of Nagaoka-kyō.

Government Nagaokakyō has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 22 members. Nagaokakyō, collectively with Ōyamazaki contributes two members to the Kyoto Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of the Kyoto 3rd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy Nagaokakyō has a mixed economy based on commerce and light manufacturing. Murata Manufacturing and Mitsubishi Logisnext are based in Nagaokakyō. Theb city si also a commuter town for the neighboring cities of Kyoto and Osaka.

Education Nagaokakyō has ten public elementary schools and four public junior high schools operated by city government and two public high schools operated by the Kyoto Prefectural Board of Education. There is also one private junior high school and one private high school. The prefecture also operates one special education school for the handicapped. The Kyoto Seizan College is a private junior college located in Nagaokakyō.

Culture The most popular event in Nagaokakyo is the Garasha Festival. It is usually held in November. Hosokawa Gracia was the wife of a busho—a feudal lord's lieutenant. The Garasha Festival is held at both the Nagaokakyo Cultural Center and Shoryuji Castle, while the parade runs throughout the city. Many of the parade participants wear various period's traditional clothing, including the chosen 'Garasha' of the year.

Transport: Rail JR West - Tōkaidō Main Line (JR Kyoto Line) • Nagaokakyō; Hankyu - Kyoto Main Line • Nishiyama Tennozan - Nagaoka-Tenjin.

Transport: Road • Kyoto Jūkan Expressway • National Route 171 • National Route 478.

Organizations Murata Manufacturing and Mitsubishi Logisnext are based in Nagaokakyō.