Lyon, known in kanji as “里昂,” is one of France’s most historic and cultural cities. Japanese people often associate Lyon with gastronomy, heritage, and sports, making it a city that offers multiple layers of appeal.
What Does the Kanji “里昂” Mean
The Japanese representation of Lyon as “里昂” is an example of “ateji,” the practice of assigning kanji to foreign place names. The characters approximate the sound while also conveying a sense of dignity and elegance that elevates the city’s image.
This practice has a long history in Japan and China, where European cities have often been expressed through kanji. Paris is written as “巴里,” London as “倫敦,” and Lyon as “里昂.” This is more than a translation—it is a cultural expression that visually emphasizes the city’s significance.
| City | Kanji | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | 巴里 | Pari |
| London | 倫敦 | Rondon |
| Lyon | 里昂 | Riou |
| Marseille | 馬賽 | Masai |
Through such usage, Lyon has long been introduced to Japan as “里昂,” allowing it to be seen as a familiar and respected foreign city.
How Japanese People Perceive Lyon
For Japanese people, Lyon embodies the fusion of gastronomy, history, and culture. In recent years, its identity as a sports city has also gained attention.
A Capital of Gastronomy
Lyon is famous worldwide as a “capital of gastronomy.” The city is home to traditional bouchon restaurants as well as the legendary establishments of Paul Bocuse, a master of French cuisine. For Japanese visitors, Lyon is strongly associated with the idea of experiencing authentic French cuisine at its finest.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Old Town of Lyon is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its medieval and Renaissance buildings remain intact, while cobblestone streets and red-tiled roofs create the very image of “old Europe” that Japanese travelers often imagine.
A Center of Arts and Culture
Lyon is also celebrated as the birthplace of cinema, where the Lumière brothers pioneered filmmaking. Annual cultural events such as the Festival of Lights add to its reputation. For Japanese people, Lyon leaves the impression of being a city alive with cultural and artistic expression.
Lyon as a Sports City
Lyon also stands out as a hub of sports, particularly soccer and rugby, and has increasingly become a stage for international competitions.
Soccer
Olympique Lyonnais is one of France’s most prominent football clubs with international success. The women’s team is recognized as one of the strongest in the world, often compared with Japan’s own Nadeshiko Japan.
Rugby
The Lyon OU Rugby Club is a powerhouse within the French league. In recent years, Lyon has hosted matches for the Rugby World Cup, giving Japanese fans another reason to know the city.
Sports and Japanese Visitors
An increasing number of Japanese tourists visit Lyon specifically to watch sports. Combining sightseeing with match attendance has created a new travel trend, making Lyon known as a city where “both gastronomy and sports can be enjoyed.”
| Sport | Feature | Connection with Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | Olympique Lyonnais is world-renowned | Women’s team among the world’s strongest, Japanese fans follow closely |
| Rugby | Lyon OU is a domestic powerhouse | Hosted Rugby World Cup, attracting Japanese visitors |
| Others | Marathon and cycling events | Popular among health-conscious Japanese travelers |
Why Lyon Appeals to Japanese Tourists
As a tourist destination, Lyon is highly valued for its combination of gastronomy, history, accessibility, culture, and sports.
| Appeal | Description |
|---|---|
| Gastronomy | Authentic French cuisine and regional specialties |
| History | UNESCO-listed Old Town with medieval charm |
| Accessibility | Just two hours from Paris by TGV |
| Arts | Birthplace of cinema, Festival of Lights |
| Sports | Famous soccer and rugby clubs |
Additional attractions further enhance Lyon’s popularity among Japanese tourists:
| Attraction | Feature | Japanese Impression |
|---|---|---|
| Rhône and Saône Rivers | The city lies where two rivers meet | Beautiful riverside scenery |
| Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière | Located on a hill overlooking the city | Offers breathtaking panoramic views |
| Traboules (hidden passageways) | Secret walkways between buildings | Exciting, like an urban exploration |
Conclusion
Lyon, represented in Japanese kanji as “里昂,” has long been familiar to Japan. It combines the tradition of gastronomy, UNESCO World Heritage charm, cultural and artistic vitality, and the international stage of sports.
For Japanese people, Lyon is strongly seen as a city where one can enjoy food, history, culture, and sports all in one place. Whether for sightseeing, dining, attending events, or watching world-class sports, Lyon offers an experience that resonates deeply.
Moving forward, Lyon will continue to be one of the most appealing European cities for Japanese travelers, embodying a unique blend of culinary excellence, cultural depth, and sporting passion.
