People believed to have come from South Yunnan region migrated into the northern tip of Java during a time when Jepara was still separated by the Juwana Strait.

[citation needed] In the 16th century, Jepara was an important port; in early 1513, its king, Yunnus (Pati Unus) led an attack against Portuguese Malacca.

The eastern border is primarily a mountainous region, with the most notable peak being Mount Muria.

Note: (a) comprises 11 urban kelurahan (Bapangan, Bulu, Demaan, Jobokuto, Karangkebagusan, Kauman, Panggang, Pengkol, Potroyudan, Saripan and Ujungbatu) and 5 rural desa.

[citation needed] As a pesisir ('coastal') area many traders from around the world landed in Jepara centuries ago.