Uda

Uda is a city in northeastern Nara Prefecture that spreads across river plains and forest areas with scattered mountain villages. The territory combines flat terrain along waterways with dense woodland, creating a varied landscape.

The region appears in Manyoshu texts from the Nara period and was administered from Uda Matsuyama Castle during the Sengoku and Edo periods. This castle served as the local administrative center during those feudal eras.

The Manyo Park hosts a December gathering where residents watch the red morning sky, continuing an ancient poetry tradition from the Nara period.

The city is divided into four distinct areas, helping visitors navigate and explore different neighborhoods. Schools and public facilities are distributed throughout the territory and can serve as orientation points.

Local farmers produce kudzu powder, a traditional Japanese starch made from the kudzu plant, despite mountainous terrain and limited farmland. This specialized production reveals how the community maintains traditional craftsmanship in challenging geography.

Location: Nara Prefecture

Inception: January 1, 2006

Reference: 292125

Shares border with: Nara, Sakurai, Yamazoe, Soni, Yoshino, Higashiyoshino, Nabari

Website: https://city.uda.nara.jp

GPS coordinates: 34.52797,135.95225

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:39