Harima Province

Harima is a historic province in the southern part of present-day Hyogo Prefecture along the coast of the Harima Sea. It covers gentle hills, fertile valleys and coastal stretches that have been farmed for centuries.

The administrative boundaries formed in the 7th century during imperial reforms that divided Japan into clearly defined provinces. Himeji was appointed as the administrative seat and grew into an important trading hub between the Kinki region and western Japan.

The name derives from the ancient reading Harima, referring to the wide plains stretching between mountains and sea. Visitors today still see many shrines and old trade routes that reflect the area's role as a religious and economic center.

The former province covers parts of present-day Hyogo Prefecture and is accessible by several rail lines and roads. Many sites lie along the coast or near Himeji, making day trips from larger cities possible.

The area is closely tied to the story of the 47 ronin from Ako Domain, whose revenge act in the 18th century became one of Japan's most famous tales. Visitors find memorials and shrines at several locations that recall these events.