Kyoto Prefecture Opening Day

What Is Kyoto Prefecture Opening Day?

June 19 is "Kyoto Prefecture Opening Day" (Kyōto-fu Kaichō Kinenbi) in Japan. It marks the opening of Kyoto Prefecture on the 29th day of the leap 4th month of Keiō 4 (1868, later renamed the first year of Meiji), which corresponds to June 19 in the modern calendar. Kyoto Prefecture established the day in 1985, the 100th year since the prefectural office moved to its current site. Every year on this date, the prefecture holds a ceremony honoring people who have contributed to its development. Kyoto was one of the earliest "fu" (urban prefectures) created under the new Meiji government.

Historical Background

From the end of the shogunate through the Meiji Restoration, Japan went through a major political transformation. Kyoto had long been the country's political and cultural center and was an important base for the new government.

• Establishment in 1868: About four months after the restoration of imperial rule, the new government set up a prefecture in Kyoto.
• An early prefecture: Kyoto was among the first of the "fu" created in the early Meiji period.
• Kyoto's political role: In the first years of Meiji, the Dajōkan (Grand Council of State) was located in Kyoto, and the city functioned as the political center for a time.

Kyoto's Development and Cultural Role

Beyond its role as an administrative body, Kyoto Prefecture has contributed greatly to preserving and developing Japanese culture.

• A center of traditional culture: Shrines, temples, festivals, and crafts that symbolize Japanese culture are concentrated here.
• Learning and education: Kyoto University and many other institutions have made Kyoto a city of scholarship.
• Tourism: Visitors from Japan and abroad support the prefecture's economy.

Interesting Facts

• The Old Main Building of the Kyoto Prefectural Office: Completed in 1904 (Meiji 37), this brick building served as the main prefectural office until 1971. It is said to be the oldest government building in Japan still in use in its original form, and it was designated an Important Cultural Property in 2004.
• "Fu" and "ken": Only Kyoto and Osaka are called "fu" today. The name is a remnant of the early Meiji practice of designating important areas as "fu"; today there is no difference in authority between a fu and a ken.
• A diverse prefecture: Kyoto Prefecture includes not only Kyoto City but also the distinct regional cultures of Tango, Tanba, and Yamashiro.
• Deep ties to the Meiji Restoration: For a time, the new government's policies and systems were issued from Kyoto.

How to Spend the Day

• Visit the Old Main Building of the Kyoto Prefectural Office and enjoy its historic architecture.
• Learn about the administration and culture of the Meiji Restoration era at Kyoto's history museums.
• Experience Kyoto's traditional culture, such as tea ceremony, crafts, and festivals.
• Look into the history and character of each area to appreciate the prefecture's diversity.

The First Step Toward the "Modern Era" Still Supports Kyoto's Appeal

Kyoto Prefecture Opening Day on June 19 reminds us that Kyoto is not only an ancient capital but also a place deeply involved in the development of modern Japanese administration and culture. Take a moment to look back on the region's journey, where history, tradition, and new culture coexist.