日向
Hyuga Province
日向国 · ひゅうが
Province
Saikido Circuit
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Facing the Sun"
True Etymology
The name means 'facing the sun' (日, sun + 向, facing/toward). The province faces east toward the Pacific Ocean, where the sun rises dramatically from the sea. This solar orientation made Hyūga mythologically significant: it is considered the birthplace of the imperial ancestors in Japanese mythology.
Alternative Theory
Japanese mythology (Kojiki) describes the gods descending to Mount Takachiho in Hyūga, and Emperor Jimmu beginning his eastern conquest from this province. The 'sun-facing' land was thus the mythological origin point of the Japanese imperial line.
Key Facts
| Circuit (道) | Saikido |
|---|---|
| Reading | ひゅうが |
| Active Period | Ancient-1868 |