The central area of Kyoto City lies in a valley.

It is surrounded by the Higashiyama, Kitayama, and Nishiyama mountain ranges, and the land dips towards southwest.

In the east runs the Kamo River, the west the Katsura River, and the south the Uji River, and the area is rich in springs, wells, ponds, and other water sources.

Its valley climate makes it hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

Kyoto has a vast pool of shrines, temples, and cultural facilities, and a long tradition of numerous grand festivals and traditional events.