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Nara prefecture (Nara-ken) is part of the Kinki
region on Honshu island, Japan. The capital is Nara.
History:
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 hotly 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 located 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 watermelon are the dominant
agricultural products of the prefecture.
Nara is a center for the production of instruments used in conducting
traditional Japanese art forms, 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.
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