English
It is a typical Kyoto neighborhood where you can visit famous temples and shrines such as Heian Jingu, and Nanzenji.
Additionally, there are cultural institutions like the National Museum of Modern Art, the Kyocera Museum of Art, and the Kyoto City Zoo.
The Lake Biwa Canal also offers seasonal scenery, such as cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
History of Okazaki
Okazaki revealed through 1200 years of history
It experienced its greatest prosperity at the end of the Heian period.
This was marked by the construction of Shirakawaden, where the government was administered through cloistered rule, and the establishment of large temple complexes, including six temples (Rokushoji), such as Hosho-ji.
These structures were razed to the ground by fire during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), and the name “Okazaki” is mentioned in historical records compiled at the end of the thirteenth century.
The initial canal, completed in 1890, became crucial for modernizing Kyoto by supplying water for transportation, irrigation, and hydroelectric power.
In 1895, the government-sponsored National Industrial Exhibition and the 1,100th anniversary of the capital’s relocation to Kyoto coincided with a major project.
The project aimed to promote Kyoto’s industrial development while also emphasizing its outstanding cultural value at home and abroad.
The Heian Jingu Shrine was constructed to symbolize the commemoration festival at the exposition venue, and various pavilions were also set up.
Okazaki Park was created on the former exposition site in 1904 and has since hosted various expositions.
Additionally, cultural venues such as a library, exhibition hall, public hall, and art museum were built, gradually forming a cultural hub.
The construction of the canal led to the expansion of a new town center in the surrounding area.
Moreover, a resort was developed in the foothills of the Higashiyama mountains while preserving the area’s natural beauty.
The canal’s water was utilized to create gardens, many of which were designed by Ogawa Jihei.
During the transition from the Showa period (1926–1989) to the Heisei period (1989–2019), there was significant construction of new venues and the renovation of existing ones.
Notable constructions during this time included the National Museum of Modern Art (1986), the Kyoto International Community House (1989), and the Kyoto International Exhibition Hall “Miyako Messe” (1996).
These initiatives solidified Okazaki’s status as a center for culture and exchange.
Okazaki in the Heian period (794-1185)
The Okazaki area, to the east of Heiankyo, was known as Shirakawa.It experienced its greatest prosperity at the end of the Heian period.
This was marked by the construction of Shirakawaden, where the government was administered through cloistered rule, and the establishment of large temple complexes, including six temples (Rokushoji), such as Hosho-ji.
These structures were razed to the ground by fire during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), and the name “Okazaki” is mentioned in historical records compiled at the end of the thirteenth century.
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Fig: Reconstructed image of Rokushoji by Toshio Kajikawa
Okazaki spearheaded Japan’s modernization
During the turbulent period at the end of the shogunate and the decline of Kyoto following the capital’s transfer to Tokyo, the Lake Biwa Canal was constructed as part of a strategy to promote new industries.The initial canal, completed in 1890, became crucial for modernizing Kyoto by supplying water for transportation, irrigation, and hydroelectric power.
In 1895, the government-sponsored National Industrial Exhibition and the 1,100th anniversary of the capital’s relocation to Kyoto coincided with a major project.
The project aimed to promote Kyoto’s industrial development while also emphasizing its outstanding cultural value at home and abroad.
The Heian Jingu Shrine was constructed to symbolize the commemoration festival at the exposition venue, and various pavilions were also set up.
Okazaki Park was created on the former exposition site in 1904 and has since hosted various expositions.
Additionally, cultural venues such as a library, exhibition hall, public hall, and art museum were built, gradually forming a cultural hub.
The construction of the canal led to the expansion of a new town center in the surrounding area.
Moreover, a resort was developed in the foothills of the Higashiyama mountains while preserving the area’s natural beauty.
The canal’s water was utilized to create gardens, many of which were designed by Ogawa Jihei.
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Photo: Entertainment for the Heian Jinju Shrine’s Shinto ritual, 1893.
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Photo: Tairei Kiken Kyoto Daihakurankai, East Venue viewed from Oten Gate, 1928
Source: Kyoto Okazaki Miryoku Zukuri Suishin Kyogikai collection
Postwar Okazaki
After the war, the US military requisitioned some facilities, but the Kyoto Kaikan was built in 1960 as part of the city’s efforts to promote itself as a hub for international culture and tourism.During the transition from the Showa period (1926–1989) to the Heisei period (1989–2019), there was significant construction of new venues and the renovation of existing ones.
Notable constructions during this time included the National Museum of Modern Art (1986), the Kyoto International Community House (1989), and the Kyoto International Exhibition Hall “Miyako Messe” (1996).
These initiatives solidified Okazaki’s status as a center for culture and exchange.
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Photo: The Kyoto Kaikan, mid 1960s
Four Seasons in Okazaki
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Experience the enchanting contrast of water and cherry blossoms in Okazaki during spring.
The Okazaki area in Kyoto is famous for its cherry blossom viewing spots and its strong connection with water. One of the highlights is the beautiful scene of weeping cherry blossoms in the Heian Jingu Shrine gardens, reflected on the pond’s surface.
Another popular spot is the Keage Incline.
Additionally, the Okazaki Jikkokubune Boat Ride takes place annually on the Lake Biwa Canal, symbolizing Kyoto’s modernization.
You can enjoy the stunning views of cherry blossom-lined streets from a Jukkoku boat. -
Okazaki’s lush greenery provides solace during the summer months.
In the summer, the Okazaki area is filled with lush greenery.
You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the zelkova-lined street in front of Kyoto Kaikan, relax with a book under the shade of trees in Okazaki Park, or explore the nearby venues.
Additionally, the Keage Water Treatment Plant, known for its beautiful azaleas, is open to the public during the Golden Week holiday period in May each year.
In June, the Kyoto Takigi Noh takes place at Heian Jingu Shrine, adding to the many attractions that make summer in Okazaki exciting. -
Okazaki comes alive with festivals and events during autumn
In the autumn, there are a wide variety of festivals and events to enjoy.
Some of the notable events include the Jidai Matsuri procession, which is one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, and the Kyoto Gakusei Matsuri, known for its youthful energy.
There are also many famous places to see the beautiful autumn leaves, such as Nanzen-ji Temple, where you can immerse yourself in the ambiance of the ancient capital while enjoying the vibrant red, orange, and yellow-tinged leaves. -
Okazaki’s enchanting winter snowscape
Okazaki area is home to numerous temples, shrines, and gardens.
During winter, you can enjoy the beautiful snow-covered scenery and stunning snowscapes with Higashiyama in the background.
There are also many venues to enjoy concerts, plays, paintings, and other works of art, such as the Kyoto Kaikan and the Kyocera Museum of Art.
Spending a relaxing time at these venues is ideal during the colder months.
