遠江
Totomi Province
遠江国 · とおとうみ
Province
Tokaido Circuit
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Far Lake"
True Etymology
The name means 'far lake' (遠, far + 江, lake/inlet). It refers to Lake Hamana (浜名湖), a large coastal lagoon. The province was named 'far lake' to distinguish it from Ōmi (近江, 'near lake'), which contains Lake Biwa nearer to the capital. Both provinces are named in relation to their famous lakes.
Alternative Theory
The naming pair of Tōtōmi (far lake) and Ōmi (near lake) reflects the ancient Japanese practice of naming regions in relation to the capital. As one traveled east from Kyoto, Ōmi's Lake Biwa appeared first ('near'), and Lake Hamana came later ('far').
Key Facts
| Circuit (道) | Tokaido |
|---|---|
| Reading | とおとうみ |
| Active Period | Ancient-1868 |