Kashiwara, Ōsaka Prefecture, Kansai Region, Japan

🇯🇵 Kashiwara (柏原市) is a city located in Osaka Prefecture, Japan.

Geography Kashiwara is located about 20 km (12 mi) from central Osaka on the Yamato River in the east of Osaka Prefecture. Kashiwara sits along the Nara prefectural border and is separated from Nara Prefecture by the Kongo and Ikoma mountains. To the north and west is Yao city and to the south are Fujidera and Habikino cities. The Yao and southern Habikino borders are indistinct within the continuous settlement as with many cities in Osaka Prefecture. Kashiwara is separated from Fujidera by the Yamato River and the Ishi River.

Neighboring municipalities Osaka Prefecture • Yao; • Fujiidera; • Habikino; Nara Prefecture • Kashiba; • Ōji; • Sangō.

History The area of the modern city of Kashiwara was within ancient Kawachi Province. Remains dating back to the Japanese Paleolithic have been found, indicating many thousands of years of continuous settlement. During the Kofun period, many burial mounds were built in Kashihara due to its location on the Yamato River connecting the Yamato Basin with the coast. During the Nara period, the Kawachi kokubunji was built. During the Edo Period, the area was mostly tenryō territory directly under control of the Tokugawa shogunate due to its strategic location. The village of Kashihara was established within Shiki District with the creation of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889. On April 1, 1896, the area became part of Minamikawachi District, Osaka. Kashiwara was promoted to town status on January 1, 1915. Kashiwara Town absorbed Katashimo Town and Katakami Village in 1939 and its district was changed to Nakakawachi District. The large area of Kokubu Town merged with Kashiwara Town in 1956. In 1958, Kashiwara was elevated to city status.

Government Kashiwara has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 16 members. Kashiwara contributes one member to the Osaka Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Osaka 14th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy Kashiwara was traditionally known for its dyeing industry, notably for use in yukata robes, most much of this industry has been lost to overseas competition. In terms of agriculture, the area is note for production of grapes. The modern economy is centered on light manufacturing and the city is also increasingly becoming a commuter town for the Osaka metropolis.

Education Kashiwara has ten public elementary schools and seven public middle schools operated by the city government. The city does not have a public high school, but there are two private high schools. Universities include the Osaka Kyoiku University, Kansai University of Welfare Sciences, and Kansai Women's College.

Transport: Rail JR West – Yamatoji Line • Kashiwara - Takaida - Kawachi-Katakami

Kintetsu Railway - Kintetsu Osaka Line • Hozenji - Katashimo - Ando - Kawachi-Kokubu.

Transport: Road • Nishi-Meihan Expressway • National Route 25 • National Route 165 • National Route 170.

Local attractions • Takaida Cave Tombs, National Historic Site.