Yamazaki has been a focal point for transportation since ancient times because the confluence of the Katsura-gawa (Yodo-gawa River system), Uji-gawa as well as Kizu-gawa Rivers are located at the foot of the hillside stretching deep into the plain.
丘陵地が平野に近く迫り、そのふもとに桂川(淀川水系)と宇治川、木津川(京都府)の合流点が位置するため、山崎は古来から交通の要地であった。