Research on sustainable development and urban heritage currently focuses more on the economic realm rather than the social dimension. Social cohesion plays an important role in achieving sustainability goals. Although it has been argued that urban heritage contributes to social cohesion, this has not been adequately tested from an empirical perspective. Therefore, this study aims to using a hierarchical linear model investigate the total number and different types of heritages across 32 communities in Nara City, Japan, and the awareness and utilization of urban heritage of 1502 residents in the target communities, to analyzes the relationship with their social cohesion. The findings indicate that social cohesion is related to residents' heritage awareness and utilization patterns. Higher heritage awareness, more frequent visits and longer stays at heritage sites correspond to a higher level of social cohesion. The number of community heritage is also positively related because its presence provides communities with a better living environment and more places to interact and learn about the local culture. However, different types of urban heritage do not have the same relationship with social cohesion. Our research emphasizes that urban heritage should be used wisely to stimulate its role as a driver of sustainable social development. •The relationship between urban heritage and social cohesion is explored for the first time through a quantitative approach.•Social cohesion is positively correlated with the amount of heritage in a community.•Different types of heritage have different relationships with social cohesion.•Heritage awareness and the patterns of heritage use by residents are intimately related to social cohesion.•Propose heritage policies and management from the aspect of urban planning