Settsu Province, Historical province in Kinai region, Japan
Settsu was a historical unit in the Kinai region that covered parts of present-day southeastern Hyōgo and northern Osaka. The territory stretched from the coast inland and included important harbor zones as well as agricultural plains.
The administrative unit came into being in the late 8th century and replaced an older system of regional assignment. In the 16th century the area became a hub for firearms trade and attracted weapon dealers from across the country.
The name comes from an old regional term that referred to a coastal area with trade routes along the bay. The Sumiyoshi shrine served as a central place for religious ceremonies and remained a pilgrimage site for fishermen and merchants over centuries.
Many sites from this period now lie in the modern prefectures of Osaka and Hyōgo and can be reached by public transport. Visitors can explore coastal towns, castle ruins, and historical shrines within a day.
During the war years of the 16th century the region supplied armies across the country with muskets and set up workshops for repair and production. Craftsmen from different parts of the land settled here to benefit from the demand for weapon technology.
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