Ōmi Province facts for kids
Ōmi Province (pronounced Oh-mee, also known as Gōshū) was an important old region in Japan. It was located in the area that is now Shiga Prefecture, on the large island of Honshū.
The main city of Ōmi Province long ago was near a place called Ōtsu.
Ōmi Province was special because it was home to Lake Biwa. This is the biggest lake in all of Japan!
Contents
History of Ōmi Province
Early Rulers and Daimyo
During the Kamakura period (around 1185-1333), important leaders ruled different parts of Japan. In the year 1200, a powerful leader named Hōjō Tokimasa became the daimyo (a feudal lord) of Ōmi Province.
Sengoku Period Changes
Later, during the Sengoku period (a time of many wars, from the mid-1400s to the early 1600s), the northern part of Ōmi Province was controlled by a samurai named Ishida Mitsunari.
After the big Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, a new family called the Ii clan took control of Ōmi. They built a famous castle and town called Hikone.
Edo Period and Major Roads
In the Edo period (1603-1868), Ōmi Province was a very busy place. The important Tōkaidō road passed through it. This road was the main route connecting the emperor's capital city, Kyoto, with the shogun's main city, Edo (which is now Tokyo).
Another important road, the Nakasendō, also had eight of its 69 rest stops in Ōmi. These roads helped people travel and trade across Japan.
Ōmi Becomes Shiga Prefecture
In the Meiji period (starting in 1868), Japan changed a lot. The old provinces were replaced with new areas called prefectures. In the 1870s, Ōmi Province became what we now know as Shiga Prefecture.
Important Shrines and Temples
Takebe Taisha Shrine
Takebe taisha was the most important Shinto shrine in Ōmi Province. Shinto is Japan's traditional religion, and shrines are places of worship.
Enryaku-ji Temple
Enryaku-ji is one of the most famous and important Buddhist centers in Japan. This large monastery is located on Mount Hiei (Hieizan), which is partly in Ōmi Province.
Related pages
See also
In Spanish: Provincia de Ōmi para niños
