Nara, Nara
Encyclopedia
is the capital city
of Nara Prefecture
in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture
. Eight temples, shrines and ruins in Nara, specifically Tōdai-ji
, Saidai-ji
, Kōfuku-ji
, Kasuga Shrine
, Gangō-ji
, Yakushi-ji
, Tōshōdai-ji
and the Heijō Palace
remains, together with Kasugayama Primeval Forest, collectively form "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
", a UNESCO World Heritage Site
.
Nara was the capital of Japan
from 710 to 794, lending its name to the Nara period
. According to the ancient Japanese book Nihon Shoki
, the name "Nara" derived from the Japanese word narashita meaning "made flat".
The temples of Nara remained powerful even beyond the move of the political capital to Heian-kyō
in 794, thus giving Nara a synonym of .
In 2010, Nara celebrated the 1,300th anniversary of its ascension as Japan's imperial capital.
East to West. As a result of the latest merger, effective April 1, 2005, that combined the villages of Tsuge
and Tsukigase
with the city of Nara, the city now borders Mie Prefecture
directly to its east. The total area is 276.84 km².
The downtown of Nara is on the east side of the ancient Heijō Palace
site, occupying the northern part of what was called the Gekyō (外京), literally the outer capital area. Many
of the public offices (e.g. the Municipal office, the Nara Prefectural government, the Nara
Police headquarters, etc.) are located on Nijō-ōji (二条大路), while Nara branch offices of major
nationwide banks are on Sanjō-ōji (三条大路), with both avenues running east-west.
The highest point in the city is at the peak of Kaigahira-yama, alt.822 m (2,696.85 ft) (Tsugehayama-cho district), and the lowest is in Ikeda-cho district, with an altitude of 56.4 m (185.04 ft).
The basin area climate has an inland characteristic, as represented in the higher daily temperature variance, and the difference between summer and winter temperatures. Winter temperatures average approximately 3 to 5 °C (37.4 to 41 F), and from 25 to 28 °C (77 to 82.4 F) in the summer with highest readings reaching close to 35 °C (95 °F). There has not been a single year since 1990 with more than 10 days of snowfall recorded by Nara Local Meteorological Observatory.
The climate in the rest of the prefecture is that of higher elevations especially in the south, with -5 °C being the extreme minimum in winter. Heavy rainfall is often observed in summer. The annual accumulated rainfall totals as much as 3000 to 5000 mm (118.1 to 196.9 ), which is among the heaviest in Japan and indeed in the world outside the equatorial zone.
Spring and fall temperatures are temperate and comfortable. The mountainous region of Yoshino has been long popular for viewing cherry blossoms in the spring. In autumn, the southern mountains are also a popular destination for viewing fall foliage.
is the capital city
of Nara Prefecture
in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture
. Eight temples, shrines and ruins in Nara, specifically Tōdai-ji
, Saidai-ji
, Kōfuku-ji
, Kasuga Shrine
, Gangō-ji
, Yakushi-ji
, Tōshōdai-ji
and the Heijō Palace
remains, together with Kasugayama Primeval Forest, collectively form "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
", a UNESCO World Heritage Site
.
Nara was the capital of Japan
from 710 to 794, lending its name to the Nara period
. According to the ancient Japanese book Nihon Shoki
, the name "Nara" derived from the Japanese word narashita meaning "made flat".
The temples of Nara remained powerful even beyond the move of the political capital to Heian-kyō
in 794, thus giving Nara a synonym of .
In 2010, Nara celebrated the 1,300th anniversary of its ascension as Japan's imperial capital.
East to West. As a result of the latest merger, effective April 1, 2005, that combined the villages of Tsuge
and Tsukigase
with the city of Nara, the city now borders Mie Prefecture
directly to its east. The total area is 276.84 km².
The downtown of Nara is on the east side of the ancient Heijō Palace
site, occupying the northern part of what was called the Gekyō (外京), literally the outer capital area. Many
of the public offices (e.g. the Municipal office, the Nara Prefectural government, the Nara
Police headquarters, etc.) are located on Nijō-ōji (二条大路), while Nara branch offices of major
nationwide banks are on Sanjō-ōji (三条大路), with both avenues running east-west.
The highest point in the city is at the peak of Kaigahira-yama, alt.822 m (2,696.85 ft) (Tsugehayama-cho district), and the lowest is in Ikeda-cho district, with an altitude of 56.4 m (185.04 ft).
The basin area climate has an inland characteristic, as represented in the higher daily temperature variance, and the difference between summer and winter temperatures. Winter temperatures average approximately 3 to 5 °C (37.4 to 41 F), and from 25 to 28 °C (77 to 82.4 F) in the summer with highest readings reaching close to 35 °C (95 °F). There has not been a single year since 1990 with more than 10 days of snowfall recorded by Nara Local Meteorological Observatory.
The climate in the rest of the prefecture is that of higher elevations especially in the south, with -5 °C being the extreme minimum in winter. Heavy rainfall is often observed in summer. The annual accumulated rainfall totals as much as 3000 to 5000 mm (118.1 to 196.9 ), which is among the heaviest in Japan and indeed in the world outside the equatorial zone.
Spring and fall temperatures are temperate and comfortable. The mountainous region of Yoshino has been long popular for viewing cherry blossoms in the spring. In autumn, the southern mountains are also a popular destination for viewing fall foliage.
is the capital city
of Nara Prefecture
in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture
. Eight temples, shrines and ruins in Nara, specifically Tōdai-ji
, Saidai-ji
, Kōfuku-ji
, Kasuga Shrine
, Gangō-ji
, Yakushi-ji
, Tōshōdai-ji
and the Heijō Palace
remains, together with Kasugayama Primeval Forest, collectively form "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
", a UNESCO World Heritage Site
.
Nara was the capital of Japan
from 710 to 794, lending its name to the Nara period
. According to the ancient Japanese book Nihon Shoki
, the name "Nara" derived from the Japanese word narashita meaning "made flat".
The temples of Nara remained powerful even beyond the move of the political capital to Heian-kyō
in 794, thus giving Nara a synonym of .
In 2010, Nara celebrated the 1,300th anniversary of its ascension as Japan's imperial capital.
East to West. As a result of the latest merger, effective April 1, 2005, that combined the villages of Tsuge
and Tsukigase
with the city of Nara, the city now borders Mie Prefecture
directly to its east. The total area is 276.84 km².
The downtown of Nara is on the east side of the ancient Heijō Palace
site, occupying the northern part of what was called the Gekyō (外京), literally the outer capital area. Many
of the public offices (e.g. the Municipal office, the Nara Prefectural government, the Nara
Police headquarters, etc.) are located on Nijō-ōji (二条大路), while Nara branch offices of major
nationwide banks are on Sanjō-ōji (三条大路), with both avenues running east-west.
The highest point in the city is at the peak of Kaigahira-yama, alt.822 m (2,696.85 ft) (Tsugehayama-cho district), and the lowest is in Ikeda-cho district, with an altitude of 56.4 m (185.04 ft).
The basin area climate has an inland characteristic, as represented in the higher daily temperature variance, and the difference between summer and winter temperatures. Winter temperatures average approximately 3 to 5 °C (37.4 to 41 F), and from 25 to 28 °C (77 to 82.4 F) in the summer with highest readings reaching close to 35 °C (95 °F). There has not been a single year since 1990 with more than 10 days of snowfall recorded by Nara Local Meteorological Observatory.
The climate in the rest of the prefecture is that of higher elevations especially in the south, with -5 °C being the extreme minimum in winter. Heavy rainfall is often observed in summer. The annual accumulated rainfall totals as much as 3000 to 5000 mm (118.1 to 196.9 ), which is among the heaviest in Japan and indeed in the world outside the equatorial zone.
Spring and fall temperatures are temperate and comfortable. The mountainous region of Yoshino has been long popular for viewing cherry blossoms in the spring. In autumn, the southern mountains are also a popular destination for viewing fall foliage.
line connecting to Osaka. There were about 3,000 registered foreigners in the city, of which Koreans and Chinese are the two largest groups with about 1,200 and 800 people respectively. There were slightly fewer than 1,200 deer
in Nara in 2005.
, a mythological god Takemikazuchi arrived in Nara on a white deer
to guard the newly built capital of Heijō-kyō. Since then the deer have been regarded as heavenly animals, protecting the city and the country.
Tame deer
roam through the town, especially in Nara Park
. Snack vendors sell "shika sembei
" (deer biscuits) to visitors so they can enjoy feeding the deer. Some of the deer have learned to bow in response to tourists' bows. They nudge, jostle, and even bite for food.
is one of only two national women's universities in Japan.
Public high schools are operated by the Nara Prefecture.
, a private school founded by the temple in 1926.
, Australia Gyeongju
, Korea Toledo
, Castile-La Mancha, Spain Versailles
, France Xi'an
, China
Cities of Japan
||A is a local administrative unit in Japan. Cities are ranked on the same level as and , with the difference that they are not a component of...
of Nara Prefecture
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
. Eight temples, shrines and ruins in Nara, specifically Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, Saidai-ji
Saidai-ji
Saidai-ji or the "Great Western Temple" is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple was established in AD 765 as a counterpart to Tōdai-ji and it is the main temple of the Shingon Risshu sect of Buddhism after the sect's founder, Eison, took over administration in...
, Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Kasuga Shrine
Kasuga Shrine
is a Shinto shrine in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it is the shrine of the Fujiwara family...
, Gangō-ji
Gango-ji
is an ancient Buddhist temple, that was once one of the powerful Nanto Shichi Daiji, in Nara, Japan.-History:The original foundation of the temple was by Soga no Umako in Asuka, as Asuka-dera...
, Yakushi-ji
Yakushi-ji
is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, located in Nara. The temple is the headquarters of the Hossō school of Japanese Buddhism...
, Tōshōdai-ji
Toshodai-ji
Tōshōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Ritsu sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Classic Golden Hall, also known as the kondō, has a single story, hipped tiled roof with a seven bay wide facade. It is considered the archetype of "classical style."It was founded by a Chinese...
and the Heijō Palace
Heijo Palace
' in Nara, was the Imperial Palace of Japan , during most of the Nara period. The Palace was located in the north end of the capital city, Heijō-kyō...
remains, together with Kasugayama Primeval Forest, collectively form "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara encompasses eight places in the old capital Nara in Nara Prefecture, Japan. Five are Buddhist temples, one is a Shinto shrine, one is a Palace and one a primeval forest. The properties include 26 buildings designated by the Japanese...
", a UNESCO World Heritage Site
World Heritage Site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
.
History
for pre-modern history of NaraNara was the capital of Japan
Capital of Japan
The capital of Japan, where the seat of the Government of Japan and home of the Emperor are located, is de facto. While this is generally not in dispute, the capital de jure is unclear. There is a dispute as to exactly when Tokyo became the capital. Some state that it occurred when Tokyo...
from 710 to 794, lending its name to the Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
. According to the ancient Japanese book Nihon Shoki
Nihon Shoki
The , sometimes translated as The Chronicles of Japan, is the second oldest book of classical Japanese history. It is more elaborate and detailed than the Kojiki, the oldest, and has proven to be an important tool for historians and archaeologists as it includes the most complete extant historical...
, the name "Nara" derived from the Japanese word narashita meaning "made flat".
The temples of Nara remained powerful even beyond the move of the political capital to Heian-kyō
Kyoto
is a city in the central part of the island of Honshū, Japan. It has a population close to 1.5 million. Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area.-History:...
in 794, thus giving Nara a synonym of .
In 2010, Nara celebrated the 1,300th anniversary of its ascension as Japan's imperial capital.
Modern Nara
In the modern age, as the seat of the prefectural government, Nara has developed into a local center of commerce and government. The city was officially incorporated on February 1, 1898.Geography
The city of Nara lies in the north end of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering itself to Kyoto Prefecture in its north side. The city is 22.22 km from North to South, fromEast to West. As a result of the latest merger, effective April 1, 2005, that combined the villages of Tsuge
Tsuge, Nara
was a village located in Yamabe District, Nara Prefecture, Japan.As of 2003, the village had an estimated population of 6,712 and a density of 152.93 persons per km². The total area was 43.89 km²....
and Tsukigase
Tsukigase, Nara
was a village located in Soekami District, Nara Prefecture, Japan.As of 2003, the village had an estimated population of 1,913 and a density of 89.60 persons per km². The total area was 21.35 km²....
with the city of Nara, the city now borders Mie Prefecture
Mie Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan which is part of the Kansai regions on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Tsu.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, Mie prefecture was known as Ise Province and Iga Province....
directly to its east. The total area is 276.84 km².
The downtown of Nara is on the east side of the ancient Heijō Palace
Heijo Palace
' in Nara, was the Imperial Palace of Japan , during most of the Nara period. The Palace was located in the north end of the capital city, Heijō-kyō...
site, occupying the northern part of what was called the Gekyō (外京), literally the outer capital area. Many
of the public offices (e.g. the Municipal office, the Nara Prefectural government, the Nara
Police headquarters, etc.) are located on Nijō-ōji (二条大路), while Nara branch offices of major
nationwide banks are on Sanjō-ōji (三条大路), with both avenues running east-west.
The highest point in the city is at the peak of Kaigahira-yama, alt.822 m (2,696.85 ft) (Tsugehayama-cho district), and the lowest is in Ikeda-cho district, with an altitude of 56.4 m (185.04 ft).
Climate
The climate of Nara Prefecture is generally temperate, although there are notable differences between the north-western basin area and the rest of the prefecture which is more mountainous.The basin area climate has an inland characteristic, as represented in the higher daily temperature variance, and the difference between summer and winter temperatures. Winter temperatures average approximately 3 to 5 °C (37.4 to 41 F), and from 25 to 28 °C (77 to 82.4 F) in the summer with highest readings reaching close to 35 °C (95 °F). There has not been a single year since 1990 with more than 10 days of snowfall recorded by Nara Local Meteorological Observatory.
The climate in the rest of the prefecture is that of higher elevations especially in the south, with -5 °C being the extreme minimum in winter. Heavy rainfall is often observed in summer. The annual accumulated rainfall totals as much as 3000 to 5000 mm (118.1 to 196.9 ), which is among the heaviest in Japan and indeed in the world outside the equatorial zone.
Spring and fall temperatures are temperate and comfortable. The mountainous region of Yoshino has been long popular for viewing cherry blossoms in the spring. In autumn, the southern mountains are also a popular destination for viewing fall foliage.
is the capital city
Cities of Japan
||A is a local administrative unit in Japan. Cities are ranked on the same level as and , with the difference that they are not a component of...
of Nara Prefecture
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
. Eight temples, shrines and ruins in Nara, specifically Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, Saidai-ji
Saidai-ji
Saidai-ji or the "Great Western Temple" is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple was established in AD 765 as a counterpart to Tōdai-ji and it is the main temple of the Shingon Risshu sect of Buddhism after the sect's founder, Eison, took over administration in...
, Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Kasuga Shrine
Kasuga Shrine
is a Shinto shrine in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it is the shrine of the Fujiwara family...
, Gangō-ji
Gango-ji
is an ancient Buddhist temple, that was once one of the powerful Nanto Shichi Daiji, in Nara, Japan.-History:The original foundation of the temple was by Soga no Umako in Asuka, as Asuka-dera...
, Yakushi-ji
Yakushi-ji
is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, located in Nara. The temple is the headquarters of the Hossō school of Japanese Buddhism...
, Tōshōdai-ji
Toshodai-ji
Tōshōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Ritsu sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Classic Golden Hall, also known as the kondō, has a single story, hipped tiled roof with a seven bay wide facade. It is considered the archetype of "classical style."It was founded by a Chinese...
and the Heijō Palace
Heijo Palace
' in Nara, was the Imperial Palace of Japan , during most of the Nara period. The Palace was located in the north end of the capital city, Heijō-kyō...
remains, together with Kasugayama Primeval Forest, collectively form "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara encompasses eight places in the old capital Nara in Nara Prefecture, Japan. Five are Buddhist temples, one is a Shinto shrine, one is a Palace and one a primeval forest. The properties include 26 buildings designated by the Japanese...
", a UNESCO World Heritage Site
World Heritage Site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
.
History
for pre-modern history of NaraNara was the capital of Japan
Capital of Japan
The capital of Japan, where the seat of the Government of Japan and home of the Emperor are located, is de facto. While this is generally not in dispute, the capital de jure is unclear. There is a dispute as to exactly when Tokyo became the capital. Some state that it occurred when Tokyo...
from 710 to 794, lending its name to the Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
. According to the ancient Japanese book Nihon Shoki
Nihon Shoki
The , sometimes translated as The Chronicles of Japan, is the second oldest book of classical Japanese history. It is more elaborate and detailed than the Kojiki, the oldest, and has proven to be an important tool for historians and archaeologists as it includes the most complete extant historical...
, the name "Nara" derived from the Japanese word narashita meaning "made flat".
The temples of Nara remained powerful even beyond the move of the political capital to Heian-kyō
Kyoto
is a city in the central part of the island of Honshū, Japan. It has a population close to 1.5 million. Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area.-History:...
in 794, thus giving Nara a synonym of .
In 2010, Nara celebrated the 1,300th anniversary of its ascension as Japan's imperial capital.
Modern Nara
In the modern age, as the seat of the prefectural government, Nara has developed into a local center of commerce and government. The city was officially incorporated on February 1, 1898.Geography
The city of Nara lies in the north end of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering itself to Kyoto Prefecture in its north side. The city is 22.22 km from North to South, fromEast to West. As a result of the latest merger, effective April 1, 2005, that combined the villages of Tsuge
Tsuge, Nara
was a village located in Yamabe District, Nara Prefecture, Japan.As of 2003, the village had an estimated population of 6,712 and a density of 152.93 persons per km². The total area was 43.89 km²....
and Tsukigase
Tsukigase, Nara
was a village located in Soekami District, Nara Prefecture, Japan.As of 2003, the village had an estimated population of 1,913 and a density of 89.60 persons per km². The total area was 21.35 km²....
with the city of Nara, the city now borders Mie Prefecture
Mie Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan which is part of the Kansai regions on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Tsu.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, Mie prefecture was known as Ise Province and Iga Province....
directly to its east. The total area is 276.84 km².
The downtown of Nara is on the east side of the ancient Heijō Palace
Heijo Palace
' in Nara, was the Imperial Palace of Japan , during most of the Nara period. The Palace was located in the north end of the capital city, Heijō-kyō...
site, occupying the northern part of what was called the Gekyō (外京), literally the outer capital area. Many
of the public offices (e.g. the Municipal office, the Nara Prefectural government, the Nara
Police headquarters, etc.) are located on Nijō-ōji (二条大路), while Nara branch offices of major
nationwide banks are on Sanjō-ōji (三条大路), with both avenues running east-west.
The highest point in the city is at the peak of Kaigahira-yama, alt.822 m (2,696.85 ft) (Tsugehayama-cho district), and the lowest is in Ikeda-cho district, with an altitude of 56.4 m (185.04 ft).
Climate
The climate of Nara Prefecture is generally temperate, although there are notable differences between the north-western basin area and the rest of the prefecture which is more mountainous.The basin area climate has an inland characteristic, as represented in the higher daily temperature variance, and the difference between summer and winter temperatures. Winter temperatures average approximately 3 to 5 °C (37.4 to 41 F), and from 25 to 28 °C (77 to 82.4 F) in the summer with highest readings reaching close to 35 °C (95 °F). There has not been a single year since 1990 with more than 10 days of snowfall recorded by Nara Local Meteorological Observatory.
The climate in the rest of the prefecture is that of higher elevations especially in the south, with -5 °C being the extreme minimum in winter. Heavy rainfall is often observed in summer. The annual accumulated rainfall totals as much as 3000 to 5000 mm (118.1 to 196.9 ), which is among the heaviest in Japan and indeed in the world outside the equatorial zone.
Spring and fall temperatures are temperate and comfortable. The mountainous region of Yoshino has been long popular for viewing cherry blossoms in the spring. In autumn, the southern mountains are also a popular destination for viewing fall foliage.
is the capital city
Cities of Japan
||A is a local administrative unit in Japan. Cities are ranked on the same level as and , with the difference that they are not a component of...
of Nara Prefecture
Nara Prefecture
is a prefecture in the Kansai region on Honshū Island, Japan. The capital is the city of Nara.-History:The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture....
in the Kansai region of Japan. The city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Kyoto.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro....
. Eight temples, shrines and ruins in Nara, specifically Tōdai-ji
Todai-ji
, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, Saidai-ji
Saidai-ji
Saidai-ji or the "Great Western Temple" is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple was established in AD 765 as a counterpart to Tōdai-ji and it is the main temple of the Shingon Risshu sect of Buddhism after the sect's founder, Eison, took over administration in...
, Kōfuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
, Kasuga Shrine
Kasuga Shrine
is a Shinto shrine in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it is the shrine of the Fujiwara family...
, Gangō-ji
Gango-ji
is an ancient Buddhist temple, that was once one of the powerful Nanto Shichi Daiji, in Nara, Japan.-History:The original foundation of the temple was by Soga no Umako in Asuka, as Asuka-dera...
, Yakushi-ji
Yakushi-ji
is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, located in Nara. The temple is the headquarters of the Hossō school of Japanese Buddhism...
, Tōshōdai-ji
Toshodai-ji
Tōshōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Ritsu sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Classic Golden Hall, also known as the kondō, has a single story, hipped tiled roof with a seven bay wide facade. It is considered the archetype of "classical style."It was founded by a Chinese...
and the Heijō Palace
Heijo Palace
' in Nara, was the Imperial Palace of Japan , during most of the Nara period. The Palace was located in the north end of the capital city, Heijō-kyō...
remains, together with Kasugayama Primeval Forest, collectively form "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara encompasses eight places in the old capital Nara in Nara Prefecture, Japan. Five are Buddhist temples, one is a Shinto shrine, one is a Palace and one a primeval forest. The properties include 26 buildings designated by the Japanese...
", a UNESCO World Heritage Site
World Heritage Site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
.
History
for pre-modern history of NaraNara was the capital of Japan
Capital of Japan
The capital of Japan, where the seat of the Government of Japan and home of the Emperor are located, is de facto. While this is generally not in dispute, the capital de jure is unclear. There is a dispute as to exactly when Tokyo became the capital. Some state that it occurred when Tokyo...
from 710 to 794, lending its name to the Nara period
Nara period
The of the history of Japan covers the years from AD 710 to 794. Empress Gemmei established the capital of Heijō-kyō . Except for 5 years , when the capital was briefly moved again, it remained the capital of Japanese civilization until Emperor Kammu established a new capital, Nagaoka-kyō, in 784...
. According to the ancient Japanese book Nihon Shoki
Nihon Shoki
The , sometimes translated as The Chronicles of Japan, is the second oldest book of classical Japanese history. It is more elaborate and detailed than the Kojiki, the oldest, and has proven to be an important tool for historians and archaeologists as it includes the most complete extant historical...
, the name "Nara" derived from the Japanese word narashita meaning "made flat".
The temples of Nara remained powerful even beyond the move of the political capital to Heian-kyō
Kyoto
is a city in the central part of the island of Honshū, Japan. It has a population close to 1.5 million. Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area.-History:...
in 794, thus giving Nara a synonym of .
In 2010, Nara celebrated the 1,300th anniversary of its ascension as Japan's imperial capital.
Modern Nara
In the modern age, as the seat of the prefectural government, Nara has developed into a local center of commerce and government. The city was officially incorporated on February 1, 1898.Geography
The city of Nara lies in the north end of Nara Prefecture, directly bordering itself to Kyoto Prefecture in its north side. The city is 22.22 km from North to South, fromEast to West. As a result of the latest merger, effective April 1, 2005, that combined the villages of Tsuge
Tsuge, Nara
was a village located in Yamabe District, Nara Prefecture, Japan.As of 2003, the village had an estimated population of 6,712 and a density of 152.93 persons per km². The total area was 43.89 km²....
and Tsukigase
Tsukigase, Nara
was a village located in Soekami District, Nara Prefecture, Japan.As of 2003, the village had an estimated population of 1,913 and a density of 89.60 persons per km². The total area was 21.35 km²....
with the city of Nara, the city now borders Mie Prefecture
Mie Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan which is part of the Kansai regions on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Tsu.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, Mie prefecture was known as Ise Province and Iga Province....
directly to its east. The total area is 276.84 km².
The downtown of Nara is on the east side of the ancient Heijō Palace
Heijo Palace
' in Nara, was the Imperial Palace of Japan , during most of the Nara period. The Palace was located in the north end of the capital city, Heijō-kyō...
site, occupying the northern part of what was called the Gekyō (外京), literally the outer capital area. Many
of the public offices (e.g. the Municipal office, the Nara Prefectural government, the Nara
Police headquarters, etc.) are located on Nijō-ōji (二条大路), while Nara branch offices of major
nationwide banks are on Sanjō-ōji (三条大路), with both avenues running east-west.
The highest point in the city is at the peak of Kaigahira-yama, alt.822 m (2,696.85 ft) (Tsugehayama-cho district), and the lowest is in Ikeda-cho district, with an altitude of 56.4 m (185.04 ft).
Climate
The climate of Nara Prefecture is generally temperate, although there are notable differences between the north-western basin area and the rest of the prefecture which is more mountainous.The basin area climate has an inland characteristic, as represented in the higher daily temperature variance, and the difference between summer and winter temperatures. Winter temperatures average approximately 3 to 5 °C (37.4 to 41 F), and from 25 to 28 °C (77 to 82.4 F) in the summer with highest readings reaching close to 35 °C (95 °F). There has not been a single year since 1990 with more than 10 days of snowfall recorded by Nara Local Meteorological Observatory.
The climate in the rest of the prefecture is that of higher elevations especially in the south, with -5 °C being the extreme minimum in winter. Heavy rainfall is often observed in summer. The annual accumulated rainfall totals as much as 3000 to 5000 mm (118.1 to 196.9 ), which is among the heaviest in Japan and indeed in the world outside the equatorial zone.
Spring and fall temperatures are temperate and comfortable. The mountainous region of Yoshino has been long popular for viewing cherry blossoms in the spring. In autumn, the southern mountains are also a popular destination for viewing fall foliage.
Demographics
As of 2005, the city has an estimated population of 373,189 and a population density of 1,348 persons per km². There were 147,966 households residing in Nara. The highest concentraton of both households and population, respectively about 46,000 and 125,000, is found along the newer bedtown districts, along the KintetsuKintetsu
, named Kinki Nippon Railway Co., Ltd. in English until June 27, 2003, is a Japanese rail transit corporation commonly known as . It is the largest non-JR railway in Japan. Its complex network of lines connects Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya, Tsu and Ise...
line connecting to Osaka. There were about 3,000 registered foreigners in the city, of which Koreans and Chinese are the two largest groups with about 1,200 and 800 people respectively. There were slightly fewer than 1,200 deer
Sika Deer
The Sika Deer, Cervus nippon, also known as the Spotted Deer or the Japanese Deer, is a species of deer native to much of East Asia and introduced to various other parts of the world...
in Nara in 2005.
Landmarks
- Buddhist temples
- Tōdai-jiTodai-ji, is a Buddhist temple complex located in the city of Nara, Japan. Its Great Buddha Hall , the largest wooden building in the world, houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese simply as Daibutsu . The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the ...
, including Nigatsu-dōNigatsu-doNigatsu-dō is one of the important structures of Tōdai-ji, a temple in Nara, Japan. Nigatsu-dō is located to the east of the Great Buddha Hall, on the hillside of Mount Wakakusa. It includes several other buildings in addition to the specific hall named Nigatsu-dō, thus comprising its own... - Saidai-jiSaidai-jiSaidai-ji or the "Great Western Temple" is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple was established in AD 765 as a counterpart to Tōdai-ji and it is the main temple of the Shingon Risshu sect of Buddhism after the sect's founder, Eison, took over administration in...
- Kōfuku-jiKofuku-jiis a Buddhist temple in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school and is one of the eight Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.-History:...
- Gangō-jiGango-jiis an ancient Buddhist temple, that was once one of the powerful Nanto Shichi Daiji, in Nara, Japan.-History:The original foundation of the temple was by Soga no Umako in Asuka, as Asuka-dera...
- Yakushi-jiYakushi-jiis one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, located in Nara. The temple is the headquarters of the Hossō school of Japanese Buddhism...
- Tōshōdai-jiToshodai-jiTōshōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Ritsu sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Classic Golden Hall, also known as the kondō, has a single story, hipped tiled roof with a seven bay wide facade. It is considered the archetype of "classical style."It was founded by a Chinese...
- Shinyakushi-ji
- Daian-jiDaian-jiwas founded during the Asuka period and is one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara, Japan.-History:The Nihon Shoki records the founding of the , predecessor of the Daian-ji, in 639 during the reign of Emperor Jomei. A nine story pagoda was added shortly afterwards...
- Enjō-jiEnjō-jiis a Shingon temple in the northeast of Nara, Japan. A number of its buildings and images have been designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, and its late-Heian period gardens are a Place of Scenic Beauty.-History:...
- Ryōsen-jiRyōsen-ji (Nara)is a Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan. Founded in the eighth century, the Hondō is a National Treasure and a number of other buildings and temple treasures have been designated Important Cultural Properties.-History:...
- Tōdai-ji
- Shinto shrines
- Kasuga ShrineKasuga Shrineis a Shinto shrine in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it is the shrine of the Fujiwara family...
- Kasuga Shrine
- Former imperial palace
- Heijō PalaceHeijo Palace' in Nara, was the Imperial Palace of Japan , during most of the Nara period. The Palace was located in the north end of the capital city, Heijō-kyō...
- Heijō Palace
- Others
- Kasugayama Primeval Forest
- Naramachi
- Nara National MuseumNara National MuseumThe is one of the pre-eminent national art museums in Japan.-Introduction:The Nara National Museum is located in Nara, which was the capital of Japan from 710 to 784. Katayama Tōkuma designed the original building, which is a representative Western-style building of the Meiji period and has been...
- Nara ParkNara Parkis a public park located in the city of Nara, Japan, at the foot of Mount Wakakusa, established in 1880. Administratively, the park is under the control of Nara Prefecture. The park is one of the "Places of Scenic Beauty" designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and...
- Nara HotelNara Hotelis a full-service hotel in Nara, Japan. The hotel is located on the hillside overlooking Nara Park. Opened on October 17, 1909, it is one of the most historic hotels in Japan....
- Isuien GardenIsuien Gardenis a Japanese garden located in Nara, the old capital of Japan near to Kyōto. It has been preserved since its creation in the Meiji era, and is the only walking garden in Nara. It is divided into two sections that each feature a pagoda...
- Sarusawa Pond
- Wakakusa-yamaMount Wakakusa, also known as Mount Mikasa , is an high mountain located in Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan, beyond to the east from Nara Park....
- YagyūYagyu, Narais a quarter in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The center of Yagyū is about 20 km to the east, in the direction of Mie Prefecture on Route 369, from the center of the city of Nara. In the context of tourism, also used to include neighbouring area to Yagyū-chō, which were mostly former...
Deer in Nara
According to the legendary history of Kasuga ShrineKasuga Shrine
is a Shinto shrine in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it is the shrine of the Fujiwara family...
, a mythological god Takemikazuchi arrived in Nara on a white deer
Sika Deer
The Sika Deer, Cervus nippon, also known as the Spotted Deer or the Japanese Deer, is a species of deer native to much of East Asia and introduced to various other parts of the world...
to guard the newly built capital of Heijō-kyō. Since then the deer have been regarded as heavenly animals, protecting the city and the country.
Tame deer
Sika Deer
The Sika Deer, Cervus nippon, also known as the Spotted Deer or the Japanese Deer, is a species of deer native to much of East Asia and introduced to various other parts of the world...
roam through the town, especially in Nara Park
Nara Park
is a public park located in the city of Nara, Japan, at the foot of Mount Wakakusa, established in 1880. Administratively, the park is under the control of Nara Prefecture. The park is one of the "Places of Scenic Beauty" designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and...
. Snack vendors sell "shika sembei
Senbei
are a type of Japanese rice crackers. They come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, usually savory but sometimes sweet. Senbei are often eaten with green tea as a casual snack and offered to visiting house guests as a courtesy refreshment....
" (deer biscuits) to visitors so they can enjoy feeding the deer. Some of the deer have learned to bow in response to tourists' bows. They nudge, jostle, and even bite for food.
Education
As of 2005, there are 16 high schools and 6 universities located in the city of Nara.Universities
Nara Women's UniversityNara Women's University
Nara Women's University , is one of two national women's universities in Japan, located in Nara. The other one is the Ochanomizu University.-Overview:...
is one of only two national women's universities in Japan.
Public schools
Public elementary and junior high schools are operated by the city of Nara.Public high schools are operated by the Nara Prefecture.
Private schools
Private high schools in Nara include the Todaiji GakuenTodaiji Gakuen
Tōdaiji Gakuen is a private school, combined middle and high school in the city of Nara, Japan. It was founded in 1926 as an offshoot of the famous Tōdai-ji temple, and began as an evening middle school for working students...
, a private school founded by the temple in 1926.
Twin towns/sister cities
Nara, according to its own official record, has three sister cities in Japan and five sister cities overseas. 
In Japan
- Dazaifu, FukuokaDazaifu, Fukuokais a city located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Nearby cities include Ōnojō and Chikushino. Although mostly urban, it does have arable land used for paddy fields and market gardening....
- Kōriyama, FukushimaKoriyama, Fukushimais a city in the center of the Nakadōri region of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. As of May 2011, the city had an estimated population of 336,328. The total area is 757 km²....
- Obama, FukuiObama, Fukuiis a city located in Fukui Prefecture, Japan.It faces Wakasa Bay due north of Kyoto, and is about four to five hours by train from Tokyo. As of October 1, 2005, the city had an estimated population of 32,185 and a population density of 138.22 persons per square kilometer...
Outside Japan
CanberraCanberra
Canberra is the capital city of Australia. With a population of over 345,000, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory , south-west of Sydney, and north-east of Melbourne...
, Australia Gyeongju
Gyeongju
Gyeongju is a coastal city in the far southeastern corner of North Gyeongsang province in South Korea. It is the second largest city by area in the province after Andong, covering with a population of 269,343 people according to the 2008 census. Gyeongju is southeast of Seoul, and east of the...
, Korea Toledo
Toledo, Spain
Toledo's Alcázar became renowned in the 19th and 20th centuries as a military academy. At the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 its garrison was famously besieged by Republican forces.-Economy:...
, Castile-La Mancha, Spain Versailles
Versailles
Versailles , a city renowned for its château, the Palace of Versailles, was the de facto capital of the kingdom of France for over a century, from 1682 to 1789. It is now a wealthy suburb of Paris and remains an important administrative and judicial centre...
, France Xi'an
Xi'an
Xi'an is the capital of the Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty...
, China
External links
- City of Nara - Official website (Japanese, also in English)
- Nara International Foundation
- Nara photos at Trekearth.com
