Yamato Province, Historical province in Kinai, Japan
This former administrative territory covered the area of present-day Nara Prefecture on Honshu island, including flat plains and forested hills reaching south to Mount Yoshino. The territory lay centrally within the Kinai region and formed the political heartland of early Japan.
Local clans established the early center of imperial authority here during the 6th century and brought neighboring areas under their control. In 737, the government changed the written form of the name to adopt a more respectful version in official documents.
The name derives from ancient characters that designated the early center of imperial rule in Japan. Visitors today can explore temples and shrines throughout the Nara region that trace back to this era and still draw pilgrims.
The former provincial boundaries can be traced today through temples, burial mounds and archaeological sites across Nara Prefecture. Many of these locations are accessible via public pathways and visitor centers that explain the historical context.
The Kofun period left large burial mounds across the territory, some of which remain unopened and preserve their secrets. Archaeologists believe many of these mounds may contain important artifacts that could reveal details about early social structure.
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