Tōkaidō (region)

The  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
Tōkaidō 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 Tōkaidō, remained cultural markers.

The ancient Tōkaidō road was improved and widened in 1604.Nussbaum,   "Tōkaidō" at p. 973.

It is a geographic region which has 15 ancient provinces,Sale, George et al. (1759).  "Japan," An Universal history, from the earliest account of time, Vol. 30, p. 71. including 

Awa ProvinceTitsingh, Isaac. (1834).  Annales des empereurs du japon, p. 57 n1. 
Hitachi Province
Iga Province
Ise Province
Izu Province
Kai Province
Kazusa Province
Mikawa Province
Musashi Province
Owari Province
Sagami Province
Shima Province
Shimōsa Province
Suruga Province
Tōtōmi Province

The lands of five prefectures are in the region of Tōkaidō: Chiba, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Saitama and Tokyo.

Today, Route 1 is a major national highway that mirrors the route of the old Tōkaidō except in the Tōkyō-Yokohama section.

Route 15 follows the route of the old Tōkaidō between Tōkyō and Yokohama

Related pages
 Kantō region
 Comparison of regions of Japan
 Yotsuya kaidan

References

Category:Regions of Japan