San'yōdō

San'yōdō

San'yōdō (山陽道) is a Japanese term for both an ancient division of the country and the main road running through the region.[1]

History

San'yōdō was one of the main circuits of the Gokishichidō system. It was first established during the Asuka period. Over centuries, the government functions of the Gokishichido became less important. However, the traditional eight regions, including San'yōdō, remained cultural markers.

Geography

San'yōdō is the southern part of southern Honshū. The region is on the Seto Inland Sea.[2] It has includes eight ancient provinces,[3] including

The lands of four prefectures is in the region of San'yōdō: Hiroshima, Hyōgo, Okayama and Yamaguchi.

The modern national highway, Route 2, the San'yō Expressway, and the San'yō Main Line of the West Japan Railway Company, follow the approximate route of the San'yōdō.

References

  1. ↑ Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2005). "Goki-shichidō" in Japan Encyclopedia, p. 255.
  2. ↑ Nussbaum, "San'in" at p. 817.
  3. ↑ Sale, George et al. (1759). "Japan," An Universal history, from the earliest account of time, Vol. 30, p. 71.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Titsingh, Isaac. (1834). Annales des empereurs du japon, p. 65 n3.

34°30′N 133°25′E / 34.500°N 133.417°E / 34.500; 133.417