Tajima Province


Tajima Province was an old province of Japan in the area that is today northern Hyōgo Prefecture. It was sometimes called Tanshū. Tajima bordered on Harima, Inaba, Tanba, and Tango provinces.
Tajima is the birthplace of Kobe beef, known locally as Tajima beef. Also well known are its many onsens, beaches, and small ski resorts. Its main industries are forestry, fishing, farming, and tourism.

History

Two theories are given as to where the initial ancient provincial capital was; one is the remains of Hazaka in the former Izushi District, and the other is somewhere in the former Keta District. In 804, the capital was moved to Takada in the former Keta District.
A major castle town was built at Izushi. Awaga Shrine and Izushi jinja were designated as the chief Shinto Shrine for the former Tajima Province.
For much of the Sengoku period, this area was ruled by the Yamana clan, who submitted to Oda Nobunaga. Tadashima Akiyama, a samurai, hailed from the province and dueled Miyamoto Musashi there. He was defeated by Musashi.

Historical districts