阪 means 'slope'

Kyoto, Tokyo, Kamakura, Nara, and Osaka have, at various times, been the centers of political power in Japan, three serving as national capitals. These cities teem with history, some of it violent, thanks to battles for ascendancy centuries ago. Those vying for power even turned several temples into political strongholds. Nowadays, the cities pride themselves on culinary specialties, striking architecture, regional products, and prominent temples (one with a gigantic Buddha statue). Proverbs and stereotypes reveal the distinctive personality traits associated with each location.