Comparison of regions of Japan

The Comparison of regions of Japan highlights differences and similarities. The regions of Japan are a fusion of historical divisions and modern administrative needs".

Geography and culture
The geography and administrative subdivisions of Japan have evolved and changed during the course of its history. Since the late-7th century, the regions of Japan have been grouped according to geographic position.

In the Meiji period, the modern regional system was made by Imperial decree. Japan was divided into regions (chihō ). A regional council (chihō gyōsei kyōgisai) was headed by the governor of the most powerful prefecture in the regional grouping. The council also included regional chiefs of central government ministries.
In this time, political development is marked by persistent loyalty to region and locality.

Kansai region
The Kansai region is used as a basic framework for description and comparison.

Kinai 
Since the late-7th century, the Kinai region, also known as Go-Kinai, included the "Five Home Provinces" which surrounded the old capital city of Kyoto. In 645, Kinai was created as part of the Taika Reform. These lands are also called the Kansai region or Kinki.

Table: Kansai region

Kantō region
The Kantō region is used as a basic framework for description and comparison.

Tōkaidō 
Since the late-7th century, the Tōkaidō region or "Eastern Sea Circuit" was made up of 15 provinces on the Pacific Ocean from Sendai Bay to Kinai. Fuji-san, Tokyo, Yokohama, and other important or well-known places are in this region. Tōkaidō also names a road which connects the provincial capitals of this region on the island of Honshū.

Table: Kanto Region

Tōhoku region
The Tōhoku region is used as a basic framework for description and comparison.

Tōsandō
Since the late-7th century, the Tōsandō region or "Eastern Mountain Circuit" was made up of 13 provinces. Tōsandō also names a road which connects the provincial capitals of this region on the island of Honshū. Tōsandō included Musashi Province after 711.

Table: Tōhoku region

Chūbu region
The Chūbu region is used as a basic framework for description and comparison.

Hokurikudō
Since the late-7th century, the Hokurikudō region or the "Northern-land Circuit" was made up of 7 provinces on the Sea of Japan. Hokurikudō also names a road which connects the provincial capitals of this region on the island of Honshū.

Table: Chūbu region

Chūgoku region
The Chūgoku region is used as a basic framework for description and comparison.

San'indō
Since the late-7th century, the San'indō region or "Mountain-shade Circuit" was made up of 8 provinces on the Sea of Japan. San'indō also names a road which connects the provincial capitals of this region on the island of Honshū.

San'yōdō
Since the late-7th century, the San'yōdō region or "Mountain-sun Circuit" was made up of provinces on south or 'sunny' side of the mountains. San'indō also names a road which connects the 8 provincial capitals of this region on the island of Honshū.

Table: Chūgoku region

Shikoku region
The Shikoku region is used as a basic framework for description and comparison.

Nankaidō
Since the late-7th century, the Nankaidō region or the "South-sea Circuit" made up of 6 provinces (the island of Awaji, the 4 provinces of Shikoku, and Kishiu on Honshū). Nankaidō also names a road which connects the provincial capitals of this region.

Table: Shikoku region

Kyūshū region
The Kyūshū region is used as a basic framework for description and comparison.

Since the late-7th century, the Saikaidō region or the "West-sea Circuit" was made up of the 9 provinces of the Kyūshū region. Saikaidō also names a road which connected the provincial capitals of this region.

After 1878, the region included the Ryukyu Islands.

Table: Kyūshū region

Hokkaidō region
The Hokkaidō region is used as a basic framework for description and comparison.

In the late 19th-century, the Hokkaidō region or "North Sea Circuit" was made up of the 10 provinces of Yezo. The Kurile Islands became an 11th northern province which was added in 1875.

Table: Hokkaidō region

 Oshima, 1869-1882
 southern Oshima Subprefecture
 southern Hiyama Subprefecture
 Shiribeshi
 most of Shiribeshi Subprefecture (excluding Abuta District)
 northern Hiyama Subprefecture
 Iburi, 1869-1882
 entire Iburi Subprefecture
 Yamakoshi District, in Oshima Subprefecture
 Abuta District, in Shiribeshi Subprefecture
 Chitose and Eniwa cities, in Ishikari Subprefecture
 Shimukappu village, Kamikawa Subprefecture
 Ishikari, 1869-1882
 most of Ishikari Subprefecture (excluding Chitose and Eniwa cities)
 entire Sorachi Subprefecture
 southern Kamikawa Subprefecture (excluding Shimukappu village)
 Teshio, 1869-1882
 entire Rumoi Subprefecture
 northern Kamikawa Subprefecture
 Kitami, 1869-1882
 entire Sōya Subprefecture
 most of Abashiri Subprefecture (excluding part of Abashiri District)
 Hidaka, 1869-1882
 entire Hidaka Subprefecture
 Tokachi, 1869-1882
 entire Tokachi Subprefecture
 Kushiro, 1869-1882
 entire Kushiro Subprefecture
 part of Abashiri District, in Abashiri Subprefecture
 Nemuro, 1869-1882
 Nemuro Subprefecture
 Chishima, 1869-1882 (the islands of Kunashiri and Etorofu, later included Shikotan and the Kuril Islands)

Related pages
 Provinces of Japan
 Prefectures of Japan
 List of regions of Japan
 List of islands of Japan
 Gokishichidō

References

Geography of Japan
Japanese culture
Subdivisions of Japan