List of provinces of Japan

1855 map of Japan provinces

The List of Provinces of Japan changed over time. The number and borders of provinces evolved from the 7th century through the Meiji Period. In the 1870s, the provinces were replaced by prefectures.[1]

The traditional way of parsing the land of Japan was "five provinces and seven circuits" (go-shichidō).[2]

Five Provinces

The traditional five core provinces of Japan were called goki.[2]

Kinai

Shichido

The traditional seven core circuits of Japan were called shichidō.[2]

Tōkaidō

Tōsandō

Hokurikudō

San'indō

San'yōdō

Nankaidō

Saikaidō

1895 map of provinces of Empire of Japan

Other

Hokkaidō

The island was changed from Ezo to Hokkaidō, and 11 provinces were established in 1869-1882.[3]

1856 map of Musashi Province

References

  1. ↑ Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2005). "Provinces and prefectures" in Japan Encyclopedia, p. 780.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Nussbaum, "Go-shichidō" at p. 255.
  3. ↑ After the Treaty of Saint Petersburg (1875), Japan added north of Urup Island, including Urup (得撫郡), Shimushiru (新知郡), and Shumushu (占守郡) Districts.

Other websites