Kashihara

City in Nara prefecture, Japan, 55 km/34 mi south of Kyoto; population (1995 est) 122,000. The legendary foundation of Japan is associated with the city, which was formerly known as Unebi-machi. It was the site of the enthronement of the legendary first emperor Jimmu. The city's importance in Japanese history and its historic sites, which include tombs of the early emperors and remains of their family palaces, have given rise to a major tourist industry.

The Kashihara Jingu, a shrine to the emperor Jimmu, was built in 1889 and expanded in 1940 as part of the cult of State Shinto exalting the Emperor. An annual festival on 11 February is still observed as a national holiday. The city was historically the site of Fukiwarakyo, the national capital for three emperors, which was destroyed by fire in 711.