Nara, Nara

From Wikinfo

Nara (奈良市; -shi) is the capital city of Nara prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan, near Kyoto. Seven temples, shrines and ruins in Nara, specifically Todaiji, Kofukuji, Kasuga Shrine, Gangoji, Yakushiji, Toshodaiji and Heijo Palace Remains, collectively form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Kofukuji is an ancient Buddhist temple in the center of Nara

Brief History

Nara is located in the north of Nara Basin where the fledging Japanese state was born in prehistoric times.

The royal court constructed a new capital modelled after the capital of Tang China, Chang'an, in AD 710. High civilization of the Middle Kingdom was introduced into Nara during the eighth century. Buddhism flourished under royal patronage. Even afer the capital moved to Kyoto in 784, Buddhist temples remained powerful and enjoyed religious fame. Nara had been a Buddhist town for a long time.

In the modern age, Nara developped as local business and government center, for the prefectural government was seated here. The city was officially incorporated on February 1, 1898.

As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 364,869 and the density of 1,724.33 persons per km&sup2. The total area is 211.60 km².

Todaiji, location of the Great Buddha of Nara

Sister Cities

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Xi'an, the ancient capital of the Tang Empire in North China.
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