Gokishichidō

was the name for ancient regions of Japan starting in the Asuka period. Imperial government of Japan was divided into large regions made up of several provinces. 
Regions.
The Gokishichidō counted the five provinces in the or capital area as one region. In addition, there were seven in an organizational system which was imported from China in the 7th century. Each of the "circuits" or "do" was a region which had several provinces within it.
Over centuries, the government functions of the Gokishichido became less important. However, the traditional remained cultural markers.
Core.
Under the Gokishichido system, the central provinces were considered to be a core region. These lands are called the Kansai region or Kinki or Kinai. The five provinces included:
Circuits.
Under the Gokishichido system, there were seven roads which connected the imperial capital with all of the provincial capitals. The land around each of the roads was called by the same name as the road, including