Provinces

Provinces

The Japanese provinces (国 kuni or koku) were geographical areas which were establsihed by the Kokugun System and the Taika Reforms came into being in 645AD.

Initially they comprised of 58 kuni with 3 islands provinces, however by 822AD this had changed to 66 kuni and 2 islands provinces.

These areas existed under the Meiji Restoration and were offically abolished in 1871 and replaced with the current Prefectural System.¹ When the Prefectures were established the old provinces were grouped by geographical location into the ‘Five Provinces of Kinai’ and the ‘Seven Circuits.²

During their existence they were lead by Kokushi (Provisional Governors) and Gunji (District Officials).¹

Here follows a list of Provinces on our site. This is not yet completely and will continued to be added to over time.

Provinces of the Kinai

• Yamashiro Province
• Yamato Province

Tōsandō Circuit

• Hida Province
• Mino Province
• Mutsu Province
• Omi Province
• Shimotsuke Province

Hokurikudō Circuit

• Echigo Province
• Echizen Province
• Etchū Province
• Kaga Province
• Koshi Province

San’indō Circuit

• Hōki Province (also called Hahaki Province)
• Izumo Province
• Tango Province

Tōkaidō Circuit

• Kai Province
• Owari Province
• Sagami Province

Nankaidō Circuit

• Kii Province
• Tosa Province

San’yōdō Circuit

• Harima Province (also called Banshu Province)

Saikaidaō Circuit

• Bungo Province
• Chikuzen Province
• Hizen Province
• Hyūga Province (also called Himuka Province)
• Iki Province
• Tsushima Province

Footnotes

1. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha Ltd.
2. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University Press.

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