Aki Province

Aki was a historical province in western Honshu, covering areas that now belong to Hiroshima Prefecture. The territory included eight administrative districts and bordered the Seto Inland Sea, with neighboring territories to the north and west.

The province existed as an administrative unit during Japan's feudal era and was governed under the imperial unification system. After 1600, control passed to the Asano clan, who ruled the region until the Meiji Restoration in the 19th century.

The name Aki comes from ancient Japanese and means "autumn", though scholars debate whether this referred to harvest seasons or landscape features. The province's identity survives today through local festivals and shrine traditions that continue across western Hiroshima.

The former province corresponds today mostly to the western part of Hiroshima Prefecture and is best explored by public transport or car. Many historical sites and shrines are spread across the region and require separate visits.

The legendary sword discovery is tied to the Susanoo myth, one of the oldest narratives in Shinto belief. Local traditions place the dragon battle site in different parts of the former province.