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Gokishichidō facts for kids

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Gokishichido
Traditional regions of Japan

Gokishichidō (五畿七道, literally, five provinces and seven circuits) was the name for ancient regions of Japan starting in the Asuka period. Imperial government of Japan was divided into large regions made up of several provinces.

Regions

The Gokishichidō counted the five provinces in the Kinai (畿内) or capital area as one region. In addition, there were seven "circuits" (, ) in an organizational system which was imported from China in the 7th century. Each of the "circuits" or do was a region which had several provinces within it.

Over centuries, the government functions of the Gokishichido became less important. However, the traditional seven circuits (七道, Shichidō) remained cultural markers.

Core

Under the Gokishichido system, the central provinces were considered to be a core region. These lands are called the Kansai region or Kinki or Kinai. The five provinces included:

Circuits

Under the Gokishichido system, there were seven roads which connected the imperial capital with all of the provincial capitals. The land around each of the roads was called by the same name as the road, including

Related pages

Gokishichido
Traditional regions in the context of modern prefectures.
Kinai Tōkaidō Tōsandō Hokurikudō
San'indō San'yōdō Nankaidō Saikaidō

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Gokishichidō para niños

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Gokishichidō Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.