Nara
URL: https://knowledge.ivjn.us/en/places/jp-pref-nara.html

A prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan, with its capital at Nara City.

## Overview

Nara is a first-level administrative division of [Japan](https://knowledge.ivjn.us/en/places/japan.html) in the Kansai region. Its area is about 3,691 km2 and its population about 0.0 million (2024), with its capital at Nara.

## History

Capital of Japan from the founding of Heijo-kyo in 710 until 784; shogunal lands and small domains dotted the Edo period, and the prefecture separated from Osaka in 1887.

## Geography and industry

World Heritage sites concentrate here: the Great Buddha of Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, Horyu-ji (the world's oldest wooden structure), Kofuku-ji, Yakushi-ji, Toshodai-ji and Heijo Palace; the deer of Nara Park are iconic.

## Transport

No Shinkansen passes through, but Kintetsu and JR link Osaka and Kyoto; about 45 minutes from Kyoto on the Tokaido Shinkansen.

Updated: 2026-10-28

Tags:
- 行政区划 https://knowledge.ivjn.us/en/tags/admin-division.html

Sources:
- 奈良県 https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%A5%88%E8%89%AF%E7%9C%8C 日本語ウィキペディア・公式サイト, 2026-10-28確認