Awaji Province (淡路国,Awaji-no kuni, formerly 淡道) was anold province ofJapan coveringAwaji Island, betweenHonshū andShikoku.[1] Today it is part ofHyōgo Prefecture. It is sometimes calledTanshu (淡州). Awaji is divided into three municipal sections: Awaji is the northernmost section, Sumoto is the most urban and central section, and four southern towns make up the city of Minamiawaji.
It was founded in the 7th century as a part ofNankaidō. In Nankaidō, Awaji Province was betweenKii Province andAwa Province. Awaji means literally "Road to Awa", that is, the road to Awa Province from the central part of Japan. Awaji Province was divided into two districts: Tsuna no Kōri in the northern part and Mihara no Kōri in the southern part.
The provincial government was presumably in modernMinamiawaji, Hyōgo but its relics have not been found yet.
Awaji Province was a common destination for political exiles.Emperor Junnin was exiled in Awaji after his abdication until his death.
In theEdo period, Awaji Province was governed by the Hachisuka clan inTokushima,Awa Province. When thehan system were abolished and prefectures were organized, the inhabitants of Awaji Province preferred to belong to Hyōgo Prefecture, not toTokushima Prefecture, because of political conflict between Tokushima and Awaji.[citation needed]
Media related toAwaji Province at Wikimedia Commons
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