Nara prefecture (奈良県; Nara-ken) is part of the Kinki region on Honshu island, Japan. The capital is Nara
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| Capital | Nara |
| Region: | Kinki |
| Island: | Honshu |
| Area
- Total - % water |
Ranked 40th
3,691.09 km² 0.5% |
| Population
- Total (????) - Density |
Ranked 29th
1,445,508 391/km² |
| Districts: | 8 |
| Municipalities: | 47 |
| Symbols | |
|---|---|
| Pref. Flower: | Nara yae zakura |
| Pref. Tree: | Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) |
| Pref. Bird: | Japanese robin (Erithacus akahige) |
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| History |
- Historically, Nara was also known as Yamato-no-kuni.
- During the 3rd century until the 4th century, the strength of the local clan controlling Nara expanded to include the surrounding area.
This expansion and subsequent struggle of power made Nara the most powerful and most hottly contested region in Japan.
The result was the establishment of the Yamato Imperial Court[?] as the capital of Japan.
- From the 8th Century[?], Nara City[?] housed the Imperial Court of the Emperor.
- Due to the Shintoism beliefs of the Yamato Imperial Court of the era, as well as the introduction of Buddhism during the 6th Century[?], a large number of shrines and temples are located in the prefecture.
- Despite the capital being moved to Kyoto, and then eventually to Tokyo, a large amount of wealth and power continued to exist in Nara
Nara, since the move of the Yamato Imperial Court, has not been involved in major Japanese historical events. Yet because of Nara's climate and the fertility of the land, Nara has remained throughout the ages an area of interest and power.
- This power continues to be present in Nara with the existence of many corporate headquarters, especially in the cities of Nara, Ikoma[?], Koriyama[?], Tenri[?], and Kashiba[?].
| Geography |
- Nara Prefecture is loaced in the middle of the Kii peninsula[?] on the western half of Honshu, Japan. Nara Prefecture is part of the Kansai region, or Kinki region of Japan.
- Nara Prefecture is landlocked. The northern plains of the prefecture are bounded by the tallest mountains in the Kansai, located in the south of the prefecture.
- Nara is bordered to the west by Wakayama prefecture and Osaka prefecture; on the north by Kyoto prefecture and Aichi prefecture, and on the east by Mie prefecture.
- Despite being in the middle of Japan, Nara is one of Japan's warmest prefectures.
Snow is a rarity in Nara, although there is some accumulation in the southern mountains during the winter. Winter temperatures average about 5 C (with -10 C being a minimum).
Summer in Nara is known for being hot and humid, with high temperatures ranging between 25 C in the mountains and 35 C in the northern plains. Nara takes pride in being one of the hottest prefectures in all of Japan.
Spring and fall are both temperate and beautiful. Yoshino[?] Mountain has been popular both historically and presently for its beautiful cherry blossoms[?] in the spring. In the fall, the southern mountains are equally beautiful with the changing of the oak trees.
| Economy |
- Tourism, currently, is one of Nara's largest industries, due to the natural beauty, historical significance, and peaceful yet convenient location in the middle of the Kansai region.
- Strawberry and watermellon[?] are the dominant agricultural products of the prefecture.
- Nara is a center for the production of instruments used in conducting traditional Japanese artforms, including calligraphy and tea ceremony.
- On an equal level with Yamagata prefecture, Nara is one of the largest national suppliers of goldfish. The industry centers in Yamato koriyama[?].
- Due to its rich history, Nara is also the location of many archeological digs, with many famous ones being located in Asuka[?] City.
| Demographics |
| Culture |
| Tourism |
| Prefectural symbols |
| Miscellaneous topics |
| External links |
- Official Nara prefecture homepage (http://www.pref.nara.jp/index-e.html)