Awa Province

Awa was a historical territory at the southern tip of the Bōsō Peninsula in present-day Chiba Prefecture. The area stretched along fertile coastal strips between the Pacific Ocean to the south and Tokyo Bay to the west.

The territory was established as a separate administrative unit in 718 after splitting from Kazusa Province. It remained part of Japan's regional structure until the old provincial system ended during the Meiji period.

This territory was known for supplying fresh fish and seafood regularly transported to the capital. Fishermen here developed techniques over centuries adapted to both the calmer bay waters and the open ocean.

The former districts of this administrative unit were merged in the late 19th century and now form part of Chiba Prefecture. Visitors can explore the southern coastal sections of the peninsula where traces of the old regional divisions still appear.

During the Edo period, the economic output of this region was assessed at roughly 95,000 koku, a traditional measure for rice and other produce. The figure accounted for both agricultural yields and income from fishing, reflecting the mixed economic base.

Location: Tōkaidō

Inception: June 4, 0718

Part of: Bōsō

Shares border with: Kazusa Province

GPS coordinates: 35.17472,140.01694

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:59