Nara, an inland prefecture situated in the middle of Kii Peninsula and surrounded by four prefectures, has 77% of its land covered by forests and mountains and nearly 90% of its population concentrated in and around the Nara basin in the northern part of the prefecture. The climate is generally moderate, with some variations: the Nara basin in the northwestern part has an inland climate; Yamato Plateau, in the northeastern part, a combination of inland and mountainous climate; and the southern part, a mountainous climate.

Nara was Japan’s political and cultural center from the 6th to 8th centuries, when Buddhism was introduced into Japan. During this period, culture, arts and architectural techniques were brought in from the west via the ancient trade route Silk Road. Numerous ancient ruins and historic monuments, including Ishi Butai (stone platform), Takamatsuzuka and Fujinoki Burial Mounds, attest to the influence of foreign civilizations characterized by the use of giant stones.

Nara’s forestry, famous for Yoshino cedar, has been the prefecture’s principal industry since old days, developing Japan’s most beautiful tracts of artificial forestation. Textile industry in Yamato Takada and metal and machine industries in Yamato Koriyama are also active.

Nara City is dotted with majestic historic wooden structures, including Todai-ji Temple, famous for its hall housing a giant statue of Buddha, Toshodai-ji Temple and Yakushi-ji Temple. In Shoso-in of Todai-ji Temple, numerous cultural properties that represent the quintessence of the Oriental culture from the 7th to 8th century are stored. Buddhist Buildings in the Horyu-ji Temple Area, Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, and Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, which border on Mie, Nara and Wakayama Prefectures, are designated UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites.