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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Hōryū-ji
35.6 km
Tōdai-ji
40.7 km
Mount Kōya
32.5 km
Tōdai-ji Daibutsu
40.7 km
Kōfuku-ji
40.2 km
Kasuga-taisha
39.7 km
Shōsōin
41 km
Yakushi-ji
39.5 km
Ōmiwa Shrine
22.9 km
Kongōbu-ji
32.3 km
Kashihara Shrine
20.9 km
Tōshōdai-ji
40.3 km
Hashihaka Kofun
24.3 km
Hase-dera
23.2 km
Nara Park
40.2 km
Takamatsuzuka Tomb
17.5 km
Tamamushi Shrine
35.6 km
Kimpusen-ji
6.3 km
Kitora Tomb
16.6 km
Mount Kongō
23.7 km
Makimuku ruins
25.1 km
Great Buddha Hall
40.7 km
Takatori Castle
13.5 km
Ishibutai Kofun
17.1 km
Iga Ueno Castle
53.2 km
Dai Heiwa Kinen Tō
35.2 km
Kōriyama Castle
37.9 km
Gangō-ji
39.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes