Kashihara, city in central Japan, on central Honshu Island, in western Nara Prefecture. Kashihara is about 20 km (about 13 mi) south of the historic city of Nara and about 35 km (about 22 mi) southeast of the center of Osaka. It is in an area called the Nara Basin, an ancient rice-growing district that contains many of Japan's most significant historic sites, particularly those from between AD 710 and 784, when Nara (then called Heijokyo) was the capital of Japan. Kashihara itself is the site where Jimmu, Japan's first emperor, is said to have been enthroned in 660 BC. Kashihara Shrine on Unebi Mountain (actually a low hill) draws large crowds every February 11, when a festival is held to commemorate the enthronement. Kashihara is also the site of the ruins of Fujiwarakyo, Japan's capital from 694 to 710. The excavation of these ruins is a major visitor attraction. Population (1999) 123,977.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Kashihara Information info
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