It belonged once to Sonoshimo County, Yamato Province and corresponds to the region which expands in the north of Saidai-ji Temple (Nara City) which, in turn, existed in the northwestern end of Heijokyo (ancient capital of Japan in present Nara).
かつては大和国添下郡に属しており、平城京の北西端にあった西大寺(奈良市)の北側に広がる地域にあたる。