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 (chiho ). A regional council (chiho gyosei kyogisai) 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
Kanto region
The Kanto region is used as a basic framework for description and comparison.
Tokaido
Since the late-7th century, the Tokaido 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. Tokaido also names a road which connects the provincial capitals of this region on the island of Honshu.
Table: Kanto Region
Tohoku region
The Tohoku region is used as a basic framework for description and comparison.
Tosando
Since the late-7th century, the Tosando region or "Eastern Mountain Circuit" was made up of 13 provinces. Tosando also names a road which connects the provincial capitals of this region on the island of Honshu. Tosando included Musashi Province after 711.
Table: Tohoku region
Chubu region
The Chubu region is used as a basic framework for description and comparison.
Hokurikudo
Since the late-7th century, the Hokurikudo region or the "Northern-land Circuit" was made up of 7 provinces on the Sea of Japan. Hokurikudo also names a road which connects the provincial capitals of this region on the island of Honshu.
Table: Chubu region
Chugoku region
The Chugoku region is used as a basic framework for description and comparison.
San'indo
Since the late-7th century, the San'indo region or "Mountain-shade Circuit" was made up of 8 provinces on the Sea of Japan. San'indo also names a road which connects the provincial capitals of this region on the island of Honshu.
San'yodo
Since the late-7th century, the San'yodo region or "Mountain-sun Circuit" was made up of provinces on south or 'sunny' side of the mountains. San'indo also names a road which connects the 8 provincial capitals of this region on the island of Honshu.
Table: Chugoku region
Shikoku region
The Shikoku region is used as a basic framework for description and comparison.
Nankaido
Since the late-7th century, the Nankaido region or the "South-sea Circuit" made up of 6 provinces (the island of Awaji, the 4 provinces of Shikoku, and Kishiu on Honshu). Nankaido also names a road which connects the provincial capitals of this region.
Table: Shikoku region
Kyushu region
The Kyushu region is used as a basic framework for description and comparison.
Since the late-7th century, the Saikaido region or the "West-sea Circuit" was made up of the 9 provinces of the Kyushu region. Saikaido also names a road which connected the provincial capitals of this region.
After 1878, the region included the Ryukyu Islands.
Table: Kyushu region
Hokkaido region
The Hokkaido region is used as a basic framework for description and comparison.
In the late 19th-century, the Hokkaido 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.