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[[Image:Hokurikudo.svg|thumb|right|Hokurikudō]]
{{Nihongo|'''Hokurikudō'''|北陸道|Hokurikudō}} is a Japanese term for an ancient division of the country<ref>[[Louis-Frédéric|Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric]]. (2005). [https://books.google.com/books?id=p2QnPijAEmEC&pg=PA344 "''Hokuriku''"] in ''Japan Encyclopedia'', p. 344.</ref> and the main road running through the region.<ref>Nussbaum, [https://books.google.com/books?id=p2QnPijAEmEC&pg=PA345 "''Hokurikudō''"] at p. 345.</ref> 

==History==
''Hokurikudō'' was one of the main [[Circuit (political division)|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 ''Hokurikudō'', remained cultural markers.

The ''Hokurikudō'' road connected the capitals of the provinces in this region.<ref>[[Isaac Titsingh|Titsingh, Isaac]]. (1834). [https://books.google.com/books?id=18oNAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA66 ''Annales des empereurs du japon,'' p. 66 n2].</ref>

==Geography==
When the [[Gokishichidō]] system was initially established after the [[Taika reforms]], the region consisted of just two provinces: [[Wakasa Province|Wakasa]] and [[Koshi Province (Japan)|Koshi]]. During the reign of [[Emperor Temmu]], Koshi was divided into three provinces: [[Echizen Province|Echizen]], [[Etchū Province|Etchū]] and [[Echigo Province|Echigo]] and [[Sado Island]] was added as a fifth province. Later, [[Noto Province|Noto]] and [[Kaga Province|Kaga]] were carved out of [[Echizen Province|Echizen]].

''Hokurikudō'' has parts of seven [[Provinces of Japan|ancient provinces]].<ref>Sale, George ''et al.'' (1759). [https://books.google.com/books?id=HmJjAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA71  "Japan,"] ''An Universal history, from the earliest account of time,'' Vol. 30, p. 71.</ref>

==Related pages ==
* [[Tōhoku region]]
* [[Comparison of regions of Japan]]

==References==
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{{Japan Old Province}}

{{Japan-stub}}


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[[Category:Tōhoku region]]