Echizen Province facts for kids
Echizen Province (越前国 (Echizen no kuni)) was an old province of Japan. It was located in the area that is now Fukui Prefecture, on the island of Honshū. Echizen was sometimes called Esshū (error: {{nihongo}}: Japanese or romaji text required (help)), along with Etchū and Echigo Provinces.
The main city, or capital, of Echizen Province was in the area known today as Echizen.
A Look Back: History of Echizen
The official borders of Echizen Province were set a long time ago. This happened during the reigns of Empress Genshō and Empress Kōken.
Before these borders were made, the area that included Echizen, Etchū, and Echigo was known as Koshi.
During the Edo period (a time in Japanese history from 1603 to 1868), the powerful lords called daimyo lived in Fukui. These lords ruled the Fukui Domain.
Later, in the Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan changed its old provinces into new areas called prefectures. The maps of Japan and Echizen Province were updated in the 1870s to show these changes.
Important Places in Echizen
The main office for Echizen Province was set up in a place called Nyū (丹生郡, Nyū-gun). This was where the province's government business was handled.
Kehi jingū was the most important Shinto shrine in Echizen. It was known as the ichinomiya, meaning the top shrine of the province.
Ōmushi jinja was another important Shinto shrine. It was built during the time of Emperor Suishin, a very long time ago. This shrine is mentioned in an old book called “Engishiki Jinmyoutyou.” It was also known as a prefectural shrine.
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