上野
Kozuke Province
上野国 · こうずけ
Province
Tosando Circuit
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Upper Field/Plain"
True Etymology
The name derives from ancient 'Ke' or 'Kenu' Province, divided into Upper Kenu (上毛野, Kōzuke) and Lower Kenu (下毛野, Shimotsuke). 'Kenu' or 'Keno' may mean 'wild plain' or 'field country.' The 上野 characters (upper field) describe the northern, upstream portion of the original province.
Alternative Theory
The name 'Ueno' (上野), using the same characters, is also the name of a famous park in Tokyo—historically the domain residence of the Kaga clan. The Kozuke/Ueno naming reflects the ancient upper/lower provincial division of the Kanto plains.
Key Facts
| Circuit (道) | Tosando |
|---|---|
| Reading | こうずけ |
| Active Period | Ancient-1868 |