| NARA - JAPAN
Nara 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.
Brief History
Nara is located in the north of Nara Basin where the fledging Japanese state
was born in prehistoric times. In South Korea, an urban legends claim that
the name comes from the modern Korean word for "nation" (Nara). It actually
came from Nadaraka, lit. flat place.
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˛. The total area is 211.60 km˛.
Famous Places
Buddhist temples
Todaiji
Kofukuji
Gangoji
Yakushiji
Toshodaiji
Shinto shrines
Kasuga Shrine
Imperial palace
Heijo Palace
Other
Nara-machi
Nara Park
Sarusawa Pond
Wakakusa-yama
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