Saikaidō

is a Japanese term for both an ancient division of the country and the main road running through the region.Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2005). Goki-shichidō" in Japan Encyclopedia, p. 255.  

History
Saikaidō 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 Saikaidō, remained cultural markers.

The Saikaidō road connected the capitals of the provinces in this region.

Geography
Saikaidō is the geographic region of Kyūshū. Tsushima Island and Iki Province were also part of the region. 

Saikaidō has nine ancient provincesSale, George et al. (1759).  "Japan," An Universal history, from the earliest account of time, Vol. 30, p. 72. and two islands, including 
 Bungo Province 
 Buzen Province
 Chikugo Province
 Chikuzen Province 
 Higo
 Hizen
 Hyūga
 Ōsumi
 Satsuma 

Regional earthquakes
Historic earthquakes are named "Saikaidō" when the main damage was in the Kyūshū region.  Often quakes are called by the Japanese era name along with region location such as Saikaido.

Timeline
 8th century: Dazaifu was established as a government center for the island region.Nussbaum, "Dazaifu" in p. 150; Japan-guide.com, Dazaifu. Retrieved 2012-2-14.
 November 24, 1899 (Meiji 32): regional disaster called the  at Latitude: 31.9/Longitude: 132National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC): NOAA/Japan: Significant Earthquake Database. Retrieved 2012-4-7.
 August 5, 1968 (Shōwa 43):regional disaster called the  at Latitude: 33.3/Longitude: 132.2

 Related pages
 Kyūshū region
 Comparison of regions of Japan

References

Category:Kyushu region