Sakurai, Nara facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sakurai
桜井市
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Top:A panorama view of Mount Miwa and Yamato River, Second:Ōmiwa Shrine, A heritage site of Hashihaka Tomb, Bottom:Hase Temple, Tanzan Shrine (all item from left to right)
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Location of Sakurai in Nara Prefecture
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 Sakurai
Location in Japan
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| Country | Japan | ||
| Region | Kansai | ||
| Prefecture | Nara Prefecture | ||
| First official recorded | 92 BC | ||
| Village settled | April 1, 1889 | ||
| Town settled | November 18, 1890 | ||
| City settled | September 1, 1956 | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 98.92 km2 (38.19 sq mi) | ||
| Population
(March 31, 2017)
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| • Total | 58,386 | ||
| • Density | 590.23/km2 (1,528.70/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+9 (Japan Standard Time) | ||
| Postal code(s) |
633-8585
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| - Tree | Cryptomeria | ||
| - Flower | Prunus jamasakura | ||
| Phone number | 0744-42-9111 | ||
| Address | 432-1 Ōaza Ōdono 633-8585 |
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Sakurai (桜井市, Sakurai-shi) is a city in Nara Prefecture, Japan. As of March 31, 2017, about 58,386 people lived there in 24,629 homes. The city covers an area of about 98.92 square kilometers. This means there were about 590 people per square kilometer.
Contents
History of Sakurai City
Sakurai was once the capital of Japan. This happened during the time of Emperor Yūryaku, from 457 to 479 AD. The emperor lived in a palace called Hatsuse no Asakura.
Ancient Palaces in Sakurai
Other emperors also built their palaces in this area. These palaces were important centers of power long ago.
- Iware no Mikakuri Palace: Used by Emperor Seinei (480–484 AD).
- Nimiki Palace: Used by Emperor Buretsu (499–506 AD).
- Iware no Tamaho Palace: Used by Emperor Keitai (526–532 AD).
- Hinokuma no Iorino Palace: Used by Emperor Senka (535-539 AD).
- Osata no Sakitama Palace: Used by Emperor Bidatsu (572–585 AD).
Modern Sakurai City
The modern city of Sakurai was officially started on September 1, 1956. It has grown into a busy place since then.
Ōmiwa Shrine and Sake
Sakurai is home to Ōmiwa Shrine. Many people believe it is one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. It is special because it is dedicated to the god of sake. Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic drink. Sake makers in Japan often hang a special wooden ball from Ōmiwa Shrine. This ball is made from sugi (cedar) wood. It is a talisman to ask the god of sake for good luck.
Famous Places to Visit
Sakurai has many interesting historical and religious sites. These places show the rich culture of Japan.
Buddhist Temples
- Miwasanbyōdō-ji
- Hase-dera
- Asuka-dera
- Tachibana-dera
- Abe Monju-in
- Seirin-ji
Shinto Shrines
- Ōmiwa Shrine
- Tanzan Shrine
- Kasayamakō Shrine
- Tamatsura Shrine
Getting Around Sakurai
You can travel around Sakurai using trains and roads.
Train Travel
Two main train companies serve Sakurai:
- West Japan Railway Company
- Sakurai Line (also called Man-yō Mahoroba Line): This line connects Makimuku Station, Miwa Station, and Sakurai Station.
- Kintetsu Railway
- Osaka Line: This line includes Daifuku Station, Sakurai Station, Yamato-Asakura Station, and Hasedera Station.
Road Travel
Major roads help people drive through Sakurai:
Japan National Route 165
Japan National Route 166
Japan National Route 169
Sister Cities
Sakurai has special friendships with other cities, both in Japan and around the world. These are called "sister cities."
Sister Cities in Japan
- Kumano, Mie
- Taisha, Shimane
International Sister City
Chartres, France
See also
- For more information in Spanish, visit: Sakurai (Nara) para niños
