若狭
Wakasa Province
若狭国 · わかさ
Province
Hokurikudo Circuit
Kanji Literal Meaning
"Young/New Narrow"
True Etymology
The characters mean 'young' (若) and 'narrow' (狭). The name may describe the small, narrow coastal plain of Obama Bay—a 'young' or minor province geographically squeezed between mountains and sea. The province was tiny compared to its neighbors.
Alternative Theory
Despite its small size, Wakasa was historically important as a seafood source for the imperial capital. The 'Mackerel Road' (鯖街道, Saba Kaidō) ran from Obama in Wakasa to Kyoto, supplying fresh fish. The province's culinary significance outweighed its modest geographical name.
Key Facts
| Circuit (道) | Hokurikudo |
|---|---|
| Reading | わかさ |
| Active Period | Ancient-1868 |