Hokurikudō
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Image:Hokurikudo.jpg
Provincial Map of Japan in the 8th Century AD
Hokurikudō (北陸道) was an old Japanese geographical region situated along the northwestern edge of Honshū, its name literally means 'North Land Way'. It also refers to a series of roads that connected the capitals (国府 kokufu?) of each of the provinces that made up the region.
When the Gokishichidō system was initially established after the Taika reforms, it consisted of just two provinces: Wakasa and Echi. During the reign of Emperor Temmu, Echi was divided into three regions: Echizen, Etchū and Echigo and Sado Island was added as a fifth province. Later, Noto and Kaga were carved out of Echizen to form seven provinces in total.
