Etchū Province, Historical province in Hokuriku region, Japan
Etchū was a historical province in the Hokuriku region stretching from the Sea of Japan in the north to mountainous areas bordering Hida and Shinano in the south. The territory encompassed diverse landscapes and served as an important link between different geographic zones.
The province was established in 701 through the Taihō Code reforms, when the Koshi region divided into three separate provinces. This division created Echizen and Echigo alongside it and shaped the region's administrative structure for centuries.
The name reflects its position between Echizen and Echigo provinces. Visitors can trace its legacy today through place names and artworks found throughout the region.
The former province's territory is now represented by Toyama Prefecture, where visitors can explore historical remains and place names. Many sites and landmarks still carry names and features from the provincial era.
The province had four separate shrines each claiming the title of Ichinomiya, spread across different cities. This unusual situation with multiple rival chief shrines is rare in Japanese provincial history.
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