In 1869, the island of Hokkaidō

Hokkaido

, formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is Japan's second largest island; it is also the largest and northernmost of Japan's 47 prefectural-level subdivisions. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu, although the two islands are connected by the underwater railway Seikan Tunnel...

, Japan

Japan

Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...

 was divided into 11 provinces

Provinces of Japan

Before the modern prefecture system was established, the land of Japan was divided into tens of kuni , usually known in English as provinces. Each province was divided into gun ....

 and 86 districts

Districts of Japan

The was most recently used as an administrative unit in Japan between 1878 and 1921 and is roughly equivalent to the county of the United States, ranking at the level below prefecture and above city, town or village. As of 2008, cities belong directly to prefectures and are independent from...

. The majority of Japan's former provinces were converted into prefectures by the Meiji government between 1870 and 1876.

The Hokkaidō provinces were dissolved in 1882, and replaced with Hakodate Prefecture, Sapporo Prefecture and Nemuro Prefecture. In 1886, the three prefectures were replaced with Hokkaidō-chō (北海道庁).

Oshima Province

: Presently the southern part of modern-day Oshima and Hiyama subprefectures. Districts included:

• Kameda
  Kameda District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Oshima Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 39,166 and a density of 111.43 persons per km²...
  
   (亀田郡, -gun)
• Kayabe
  Kayabe District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Oshima Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 24,463 and a density of 51.09 persons per km². The total area is 478.82 km².-Mergers:...
  
   (茅部郡)
• Kamiiso
  Kamiiso District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Oshima Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 48,470 and a density of 71.18 persons per km². The total area is 680.95 km².-Merger:...
  
   (上磯郡)
• Fukushima (福島郡) - merged with Tsugaru District in 1881 to form Matsumae District
  Matsumae District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in southwestern Oshima Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 16,068 and a density of 33.45 persons per km²...
  
  
• Tsugaru (津軽郡) - merged with Fukushima District in 1881 to form Matsumae District
• Hiyama
  Hiyama District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Hiyama Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 21,896 and a density of 19.59 persons per km². The total area is 1,117.57 km².-Towns and villages:*Assabu*Esashi*Kaminokuni...
  
   (檜山郡)
• Nishi
  Nishi District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Hiyama Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 8,357 and a density of 21.82 persons per km²...
  
   (爾志郡)

Shiribeshi Province

: Modern-day Shiribeshi Subprefecture

Shiribeshi Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan. The subprefecture's capital is Kutchan. As of July 31, 2004, the estimated population was 256,184 and the area was 4,305.65 km².- Towns and villages by district :* Abuta District** Kimobetsu...

 minus Abuta

Abuta District, Hokkaido

is a district located in Iburi and Shiribeshi Subprefectures in Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 31,526 and a density of 28.30 persons per km²...

 plus northern Hiyama. Districts included:

• Kudō
  Kudo District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Hiyama Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 2,458 and a density of 18.36 persons per km². The total area is 133.91 km².-Towns and villages:...
  
   (久遠郡)
• Okushiri
  Okushiri District, Hokkaido
  is a district consisting of Okushiri Island, administered as part of Hiyama Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 3,708 and a density of 25.93 persons per km². The total area is 142.98 km²....
  
   (奥尻郡)
• Futoru (太櫓郡) - dissolved April 1, 1955 when Futoru Village merged with Tōsetana Town from Setana District to form Kitahiyama
  Kitahiyama, Hokkaido
  was a town located in Setana District, Hiyama, Hokkaidō, Japan.On September 1, 2005 Kitahiyama, along with the town of Taisei, from Kudō District, was merged into the expanded town of Setana, formerly from Setana District and now in Kudō District....
  
   Town
• Setana
  Setana District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Hiyama Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 15,173 and a density of 14.14 persons per km². The total area is 1,072.86 km².-Towns and villages:*Imakane...
  
   (瀬棚郡)
• Shimamake
  Shimamaki District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 2,096 and a density of 4.79 persons per km². The total area is 437.26 km².-Village:*Shimamaki...
  
   (島牧郡)
• Suttsu
  Suttsu District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 7,316 and a density of 16.60 persons per km². The total area is 440.83 km².-Towns:*Kuromatsunai*Suttsu...
  
   (寿都郡)
• Utasutsu (歌棄郡) - dissolved January 15, 1955 when Utasutsu Village was incorporated into Suttsu
  Suttsu, Hokkaido
  is a town located in Suttsu District, Shiribeshi, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2008, the town has an estimated population of 3,606 and a density of 40.29 persons per km². The total area is 95.36 km².-External links:* in Japanese...
  
   Town, Suttsu District; Neppu Village merged with Suttsu District's Kuromatsunai Village and part of Tarukishi Village to form Sanwa Village (now Kuromatsunai
  Kuromatsunai, Hokkaido
  is a town located in Suttsu District, Shiribeshi, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of March 2008, the town has an estimated population of 3,250 and a density of 9.76 persons per km². The total area is 345.47 km²....
  
   Town)
• Isoya
  Isoya District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 5,949 and a density of 13.23 persons per km². The total area is 449.68 km².-Towns:*Rankoshi...
  
   (磯屋郡, later respelled 磯谷郡)
• Iwanai
  Iwanai District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 22,977 and a density of 61.17 persons per km². The total area is 375.60 km².-Towns and villages:*Iwanai*Kyōwa...
  
   (岩内郡)
• Furuu
  Furuu District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 3,278 and a density of 14.25 persons per km². The total area is 230.06 km².-Towns and villages:*Kamoenai*Tomari...
  
   (古宇郡)
• Shakotan
  Shakotan District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 2,947 and a density of 12.37 persons per km². The total area is 238.20 km².-Geography and Climate:...
  
   (積丹郡)
• Bikuni (美国郡) - dissolved September 30, 1956 when Bikuni Town was incorporated into Shakotan
  Shakotan, Hokkaido
  is a town located in Shakotan District, Shiribeshi, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2008, the town has an estimated population of 2,799 and a density of 12.37 persons per km². The total area is 238.20 km².-External links:* in Japanese...
  
   Town, Shakotan District.
• Furubira
  Furubira District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 4,055 and a density of 21.52 persons per km². The total area is 188.41 km².-Towns and villages:*Furubira...
  
   (古平郡)
• Yoichi
  Yoichi District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 28,213 and a density of 47.93 persons per km². The total area is 588.64 km².-Towns and villages:*Akaigawa*Niki*Yoichi...
  
   (余市郡)
• Oshiyoro (忍路郡) - dissolved April 1, 1958 when Shioya? Village was incorporated into Otaru
  Otaru, Hokkaido
  is a city and port in Shiribeshi, Hokkaido, Japan, northwest of Sapporo. The city faces the Ishikari Bay, and has long served as the main port of the bay. With its many historical buildings, Otaru is a popular tourist destination...
  
   City
• Takashima (高島郡) - dissolved September 1, 1940 when Takashima Town was incorporated into Otaru
• Otaru (小樽郡) - dissolved September 1, 1940 when Asato? Village was incorporated into Otaru

Iburi Province

: Modern-day Iburi Subprefecture

Iburi Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan.- Geography :Located in south-central Hokkaido, Iburi stretches East-West and North-South. Iburi covers an area of . Iburi borders Oshima subprefecture to the West, Shiribeshi, Ishikari, and Sorachi subprefectures to the North, and Hidaka subprefecture to the...

, Yamakoshi District

Yamakoshi District, Hokkaido

is a district located in Oshima Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 7,424 and a density of 23.89 persons per km²...

 of Oshima

Oshima Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan. As of 2004 it had a population of 456,621 and an area of 3,715.38 km².Hakodate Airport is located in the City of Hakodate.- Geography :-Towns and villages by district:* Futami District** Yakumo* Kameda District...

, Abuta in Shiribeshi

Shiribeshi Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan. The subprefecture's capital is Kutchan. As of July 31, 2004, the estimated population was 256,184 and the area was 4,305.65 km².- Towns and villages by district :* Abuta District** Kimobetsu...

, the cities of Chitose

Chitose, Hokkaido

-Economy:China Airlines operates its Sapporo office on the third floor of the airport building.The airline Hokkaido Air System was at one time headquartered at the New Chitose Airport in Chitose...

 and Eniwa

Eniwa, Hokkaido

-External links:...

 in Ishikari

Ishikari Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō prefecture, Japan, located in the western part of the island. Its population in 2003 was 2,279,943.There are 6 cities, three towns, and one village under its jurisdiction. The subprefectural capital is Sapporo, also the capital of Hokkaidō prefecture...

, and Shimukappu

Shimukappu, Hokkaido

-External links:* *** in English and Japanese...

 Village in Kamikawa

Kamikawa Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan. The name is derived from Kamikawa no hitobito no Shūraku , a translation of the Ainu Peni Unguri Kotan. Settlement began in 1867...

. Districts included:

• Yamakoshi
  Yamakoshi District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Oshima Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 7,424 and a density of 23.89 persons per km²...
  
   (山越郡)
• Abuta District
  Abuta District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Iburi and Shiribeshi Subprefectures in Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 31,526 and a density of 28.30 persons per km²...
  
   (虻田郡)
• Usu
  Usu District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Iburi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō. As of March, 2008, the district has an estimated Population of 3,009 and a Density of 14.7 persons/km². The total area is 205.04 km².The district has only one town.*Sōbetsu-Timeline:...
  
   (有珠郡)
• Muroran (室蘭郡) - dissolved February 1, 1918 when four towns and villages merged to form Muroran-ku
• Yoribetsu (幌別郡) - dissolved August 1, 1970 when Noboribetsu
  Noboribetsu, Hokkaido
  is a city in Iburi subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. Part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, it is southwest of Sapporo, west of Tomakomai and northeast of Hakodate. The name, Noboribetsu, derives from an Ainu word, nupur-pet, which means dark-coloured river....
  
   Town became Noboribetsu City
• Shiraoi
  Shiraoi District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Iburi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 20,866 and a density of 49.01 persons per km². The total area is 425.75 km².-Towns and villages:*Shiraoi...
  
   (白老郡)
• Yūfutsu
  Yufutsu District, Hokkaido
  is a district divided between Iburi and Kamikawa Subprefectures.-Towns and villages:*Iburi**Abira **Atsuma**Mukawa*Kamikawa**Shimukappu-History:...
  
   (勇払郡)
• Chitose (千歳郡) - dissolved November 11, 1970 when Eniwa
  Eniwa, Hokkaido
  -External links:...
  
   Town became a city

Ishikari Province

: Modern-day Ishikari Subprefecture

Ishikari Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō prefecture, Japan, located in the western part of the island. Its population in 2003 was 2,279,943.There are 6 cities, three towns, and one village under its jurisdiction. The subprefectural capital is Sapporo, also the capital of Hokkaidō prefecture...

 minus Chitose

Chitose, Hokkaido

-Economy:China Airlines operates its Sapporo office on the third floor of the airport building.The airline Hokkaido Air System was at one time headquartered at the New Chitose Airport in Chitose...

 and Eniwa

Eniwa, Hokkaido

-External links:...

, all of Sorachi Subprefecture

Sorachi Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan. As of 2004, its estimated population is 373,736 and its area is 6,558.26 km².-Cities:* Akabira* Ashibetsu* Bibai* Fukagawa* Iwamizawa * Mikasa* Sunagawa* Takikawa* Utashinai* Yūbari...

, and the southern half of Kamikawa Subprefecture

Kamikawa Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan. The name is derived from Kamikawa no hitobito no Shūraku , a translation of the Ainu Peni Unguri Kotan. Settlement began in 1867...

 excluding Shimukappu

Shimukappu, Hokkaido

-External links:* *** in English and Japanese...

. Districts included:

• Ishikari
  Ishikari District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Ishikari Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 24,020 and a density of 47.95 persons per km². The total area is 500.95 km².-History:...
  
   (石狩郡)
• Sapporo (札幌郡) - dissolved September 1, 1996 when Hiroshima Town became Kitahiroshima
  Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido
  is a city located in Ishikari, Hokkaidō, Japan. Its name, Kitahiroshima-shi, is translated as "North-Hiroshima city", or, more loosely, "city of North-Hiroshima", for 'kita' and 'shi' are the Japanese words for 'north' and 'city', respectively...
  
   City
• Yūbari
  Yubari District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Sorachi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 33,253 and a density of 65.71 persons per km². The total area is 506.06 km².-Towns and villages:*Kuriyama*Naganuma*Yuni...
  
   (夕張郡)
• Kabato
  Kabato District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Sorachi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 14,944 and a density of 19.99 persons per km². The total area is 747.75 km².-Towns and villages:*Shintotsukawa*Tsukigata*Urausu...
  
   (樺戸郡)
• Sorachi
  Sorachi District, Hokkaido
  is a district divided between Sorachi and Kamikawa Subprefectures, Hokkaidō. As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 53,011 and an area of 1,497.21 km², giving a population density of 35.41 persons per square kilometer.-Towns and Villages:...
  
   (空知郡)
• Uryū
  Uryu District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Sorachi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 18,996 and a density of 12.70 persons per km². The total area is 1,495.78 km².-Towns and villages:*Chippubetsu*Hokuryū*Horokanai...
  
   (雨竜郡)
• Kamikawa
  Kamikawa (Ishikari) District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Kamikawa Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. Confusingly, there is a district of the same name, Kamikawa District, in the same subprefecture. In 1869, Hokkaidō was divided into 11 provinces and 86 districts. Kamikawa district was placed under Ishikari Province...
  
   (上川郡)
• Atsuta
  Atsuta District, Hokkaido
  was a district located in Ishikari Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district had an estimated population of 2,592 and a density of 8.85 persons per km². The total area was 292.84 km².-Mergers:...
  
   (厚田郡)
• Hamamasu
  Hamamasu District, Hokkaido
  Hamamasu was a district of Ishikari Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.In 2004 the district had an estimated population of 2,179 and a density of 7.00 persons per km². The total area was 311.16 km².-Merger:...
  
   (浜益郡)

Teshio Province

: Presently all of modern-day Rumoi Subprefecture

Rumoi Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan. As of 2004, it had a population of 63,406 and an area of 4,019.97km².-Towns and villages by district:* Mashike District** Mashike* Rumoi District** Obira* Teshio District** Enbetsu** Horonobe** Teshio...

 and the northern half of Kamikawa Subprefecture

Kamikawa Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan. The name is derived from Kamikawa no hitobito no Shūraku , a translation of the Ainu Peni Unguri Kotan. Settlement began in 1867...

. Districts included:

• Mashike
  Mashike District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Rumoi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 5,736 and a density of 15.52 persons per km²...
  
   (増毛郡)
• Rumoi
  Rumoi District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Rumoi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 4,337 and a density of 6.91 persons per km²...
  
   (留萌郡)
• Tomamae
  Tomamae District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Rumoi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 14,828 and a density of 12.28 persons per km². The total area is 1,207.03 km².-Towns and villages:*Haboro*Shosanbetsu*Tomamae...
  
   (苫前郡)
• Teshio
  Teshio District, Hokkaido
  is a district divided between Rumoi Subprefecture and Sōya Subprefecture, Hokkaidō. At the end of 2009, the district has an estimated population of 13,937 and an area of 2039.11 km², giving a population density of 6.83 persons per square kilometer.-Towns:...
  
   (天塩郡)
• Nakagawa
  Nakagawa (Teshio) District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Kamikawa Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. A district with the same name exists in Tokachi Subprefecture.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 9,038 and a density of 5.86 persons per km². The total area is 1,542.65 km².-Towns and...
  
   (中川郡)
• Kamikawa
  Kamikawa (Teshio) District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Kamikawa Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. Confusingly, there is a district of the same name, Kamikawa District, in the same subprefecture. When Hokkaidō was divided into provinces and districts, this district was placed under Teshio Province...
  
   (上川郡)

Kitami Province

: Modern-day Sōya Subprefecture

Soya Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan. Its population is estimated to be 77,500 as of July 31, 2004 and its area is 4,050.84 km². It is the northernmost subprefecture of Japan.Wakkanai Airport is located in Wakkanai...

 and Abashiri Subprefecture

Abashiri Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. It was renamed from the earlier Abashiri Subprefecture on April 1, 2010. Abashiri Subprefecture was established in 1897.-Naming:Abashiri Prefecture was named after the subprefectural office in Abashiri...

 minus part of Abashiri District

Abashiri District, Hokkaido

is a district located in Okhotsk Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 38,013 and a population density of 25.37 persons per km²...

. Districts included:

• Sōya
  Soya District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Sōya Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 2,925 and a density of 4.96 persons per km². The total area is 590.00 km².-Towns and villages:*Sarufutsu...
  
   (宗谷郡)
• Rishiri
  Rishiri District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Sōya Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. The district consists of Rishiri Island, in the Sea of Japan to the west of the northern tip of Hokkaidō....
  
   (利尻郡)
• Rebun
  Rebun District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Sōya Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. The district and town both cover the island of the same name: Rebun Island.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 3,573 and a density of 43.93 persons per km². The total area is 81.33 km².-External links:...
  
   (礼文郡)
• Esashi
  Esashi District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Sōya Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 16,986 and a density of 8.87 persons per km². The total area is 1,915.76 km².-Towns and villages:*Esashi*Hamatonbetsu*Nakatonbetsu...
  
   (枝幸郡)
• Monbetsu
  Monbetsu District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Okhotsk Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.In 1869, Hokkaidō was divided into 11 provinces and 86 districts. Monbetsu was originally placed in Kitami Province....
  
   (紋別郡)
• Tokoro
  Tokoro District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Okhotsk Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.As of 2005, the district has an estimated population of 16,291 and a population density of 15 persons per km²...
  
   (常呂郡)
• Abashiri
  Abashiri District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Okhotsk Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 38,013 and a population density of 25.37 persons per km²...
  
   (網走郡)
• Shari (斜里郡)

Hidaka Province

: Modern-day Hidaka Subprefecture

Hidaka Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan. The west side of the Hidaka mountains occupies most of the area. Hidaka is sparsely populated and has many of Hokkaidō's natural resources...

. Districts included:

• Saru
  Saru District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Hidaka Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 21,190 and a density of 12.21 persons per km²...
  
   (沙流郡)
• Niikappu
  Niikappu District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Hidaka Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2010, the district has an estimated population of 5,862 and a density of 10.0 persons per km². The total area is 585.88 km².- Towns and villages :*Niikappu...
  
   (新冠郡)
• Shizunai
  Shizunai District, Hokkaido
  was a district located in Hidaka Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.In 2004, the district had an estimated population of 22,581 and a density of 28.17 persons per km². The total area was 801.51 km²....
  
   (静内郡)
• Mitsuishi
  Mitsuishi District, Hokkaido
  was a district located in Hidaka Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.In 2004, the district had an estimated population of 4,950 and a density of 14.30 persons per km². The total area was 346.23 km²....
  
   (三石郡)
• Urakawa
  Urakawa District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Hidaka Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 15,986 and a density of 23.03 persons per km². The total area is 694.23 km².-Towns and villages:*Urakawa...
  
   (浦河郡)
• Samani
  Samani District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Hidaka Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 5,770 and a density of 15.84 persons per km². The total area is 364.33 km².-Towns and villages:*Samani...
  
   (様似郡)
• Horoizumi
  Horoizumi District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Hidaka Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 5,872 and a density of 20.68 persons per km². The total area is 283.93 km².-Towns and villages:*Erimo...
  
   (幌泉郡)

Tokachi Province

: Modern-day Tokachi Subprefecture

Tokachi Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan corresponding to the old province of Tokachi. As of 2004 its estimated population is 360,802 and its area is 10,830.99 km².Tokachi-Obihiro Airport is in the city of Obihiro.- Geography :-Towns and villages by district:...

. Districts included:

• Hiroo
  Hiroo District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Tokachi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 16,735 and a density of 10.80 persons per km²...
  
   (広尾郡)
• Tōbui (当縁郡) - dissolved April 1, 1906 when 3 villages merged into Moyori Village (now Hiroo
  Hiroo, Hokkaido
  is a town located in Hiroo District, Tokachi, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2008, the town has an estimated population of 8,209 and a density of 14.28 persons per km². The total area is 596.14 km²....
  
   Town) in Hiroo District and two villages merged with Ōtsu Village in Tokachi District
• Kamikawa
  Kamikawa District, Hokkaido (Tokachi)
  is a district located in Tokachi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 18,064 and a density of 12.32 persons per km²...
  
   (上川郡)
• Nakagawa
  Nakagawa (Tokachi) District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Tokachi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. There is a district with the same name in Kamikawa Subprefecture, see Nakagawa District, Hokkaidō....
  
   (中川郡)
• Katō
  Kato District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Tokachi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 59,819 and a density of 32.76 persons per km². The total area is 1,825.78 km².-Towns:*Kamishihoro*Otofuke*Shihoro*Shikaoi-History:...
  
   (河東郡)
• Kasai
  Kasai District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Tokachi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 25,474 and a density of 25.91 persons per km²...
  
   (河西郡)
• Tokachi
  Tokachi District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Tokachi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 6,342 and a density of 8.69 persons per km². The total area is 729.64 km².-History:...
  
   (十勝郡)

Kushiro Province

: Modern-day Kushiro Subprefecture

Kushiro Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan.-Towns and villages by district:* Akan District** Tsurui* Akkeshi District** Akkeshi** Hamanaka* Kawakami District** Shibecha** Teshikaga* Kushiro District** Kushiro* Shiranuka District** Shiranuka- History :...

 and part of Abashiri Subprefecture

Abashiri Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. It was renamed from the earlier Abashiri Subprefecture on April 1, 2010. Abashiri Subprefecture was established in 1897.-Naming:Abashiri Prefecture was named after the subprefectural office in Abashiri...

. Districts included:

• Shiranuka
  Shiranuka District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in western Kushiro Subprefecture, Hokkaidō.- Merger :*On October 11, 2005, the town of Onbetsu merged into the city of Kushiro....
  
   (白糠郡)
• Ashoro
  Ashoro District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Tokachi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 11,424 and a density of 5.66 persons per km²...
  
   (足寄郡)
• Kushiro
  Kushiro District, Hokkaido
  is a district in Kushiro Subprefecture, Hokkaidō. Kushiro is also the name of the adjacent city Kushiro, Hokkaidō.- History :*August 1, 1922 Kushiro-ku becomes Kushiro City, leaving the district*October 10, 1949 Tottori Town merges with Kushiro City...
  
   (釧路郡)
• Akan
  Akan District, Hokkaido
  is a district in the subprefecture of Kushiro in the prefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan. It includes Akan National Park, which is home to many dormant volcanoes.- Towns and Villages :*Tsurui - Merger :...
  
   (阿寒郡)
• Abashiri
  Abashiri District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Okhotsk Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.As of 2004, the district has an estimated population of 38,013 and a population density of 25.37 persons per km²...
  
   (網尻郡)
• Kawakami
  Kawakami District, Hokkaido
  is a district in north-central Kushiro Subprefecture, Hokkaidō.- Towns :*Shibecha*Teshikaga...
  
   (川上郡)
• Akkeshi
  Akkeshi District, Hokkaido
  is a district in eastern Kushiro Subprefecture, Hokkaidō.- Towns :*Akkeshi*Hamanaka...
  
   (厚岸郡)

Nemuro Province

: Presently the mainland portion of modern-day Nemuro Subprefecture

Nemuro Subprefecture

is a subprefecture of Hokkaidō, Japan. The Japanese claim the disputed Southern Kurile Islands as part of this subprefecture....

 plus Habomai Rocks and Shikotan

Shikotan

Shikotan, in Russian , Japanese , or シコタㇴ), is one of the bigger islands of the Kuril Islands, which are controlled by Russia. It is one of the four southernmost islands which Japan maintains a claim for...

 Island. Districts included:

• Hanasaki (花咲郡) - dissolved April 1, 1959 when Habomai Village was merged into Nemuro
  Nemuro, Hokkaido
  -Transportation:Nearby Nakashibetsu Airport serves Nemuro.-Railways:*Hokkaido Railway Company – Nemuro Main Line**Stations in the city: Nemuro, Higashi-Nemuro, Hanasaki, Nishi-Wada, Kombumori, Ochiishi, Bettoga, Hattaushi, Attoko-Sightseeing:*Cape Nosappu...
  
   City; originally included Shikotan District
  Shikotan District, Hokkaido
  is a district that is part of Nemuro Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. It covers Shikotan Island, which is claimed by Japan and Russia. As of August 15, 1945, it had a population of 1,038.-History:*1885 Split off Hanasaki District, Nemuro Province...
  
  
• Nemuro (根室郡) - dissolved August 1, 1957 when Nemuro Town and Wada Village merged to form Nemuro
  Nemuro, Hokkaido
  -Transportation:Nearby Nakashibetsu Airport serves Nemuro.-Railways:*Hokkaido Railway Company – Nemuro Main Line**Stations in the city: Nemuro, Higashi-Nemuro, Hanasaki, Nishi-Wada, Kombumori, Ochiishi, Bettoga, Hattaushi, Attoko-Sightseeing:*Cape Nosappu...
  
   City
• Notsuke
  Notsuke District, Hokkaido
  is a district in Nemuro Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. As of 2004, it has an estimated population of 17,010 and an area of 1,320.15 km².-History:*1869 Hokkaidō divided into 11 provinces and 86 districts, Notsuke district placed in Nemuro Province...
  
   (野付郡)
• Shibetsu
  Shibetsu District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Nemuro Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. As of 2004, its estimated population is 30,285 with a total area of 1309.44 km²Nakashibetsu Airport, the easternmost airport in Japan, is located in Nakashibetsu.-History:...
  
   (標津郡)
• Menashi
  Menashi District, Hokkaido
  is a district located in Nemuro Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. As of 2010, its population is estimated at 6,069 and its area is 397.88 km², with a population density of 15.3/km2 The origin of the name “Menashi” comes from the Ainu word menashi, meaning “to the east.” The local government...
  
   (目梨郡)

Chishima Province

:: Originally the islands of Kunashiri and Etorofu

Etorofu

Etorofu was an escort ship of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II....

, later included Shikotan

Shikotan

Shikotan, in Russian , Japanese , or シコタㇴ), is one of the bigger islands of the Kuril Islands, which are controlled by Russia. It is one of the four southernmost islands which Japan maintains a claim for...

 and the Kuril Islands

Kuril Islands

The Kuril Islands , in Russia's Sakhalin Oblast region, form a volcanic archipelago that stretches approximately northeast from Hokkaidō, Japan, to Kamchatka, Russia, separating the Sea of Okhotsk from the North Pacific Ocean. There are 56 islands and many more minor rocks. It consists of Greater...

. Districts included:

• Kunashiri (国後郡) - occupied and administered by Russia
  Russia
  Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
  
   (see Kuril Islands dispute
  Kuril Islands dispute
  The Kuril Islands dispute , also known as the , is a dispute between Japan and Russia over sovereignty over the South Kuril Islands. The disputed islands, which were occupied by Soviet forces during the Manchurian Strategic Offensive Operation at the end of World War II, are under Russian...
  
  )
• Etorofu (択捉郡) - occupied and administered by Russia
• Furebetsu (振別郡) - dissolved April, 1923 when its villages merged with several villages in Shana and Etorofu districts to form the village of Rubetsu in Etorofu
• Shana (紗那郡) - occupied and administered by Russia
• Shibetoro
  Shibetoro District, Hokkaido
  In Japanese, refers to a region disputed between Russia and Japan, currently under Russian administration. Under Japanese classification, it belongs to Nemuro Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan...
  
   (蘂取郡) - occupied and administered by Russia
• Shikotan
  Shikotan District, Hokkaido
  is a district that is part of Nemuro Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. It covers Shikotan Island, which is claimed by Japan and Russia. As of August 15, 1945, it had a population of 1,038.-History:*1885 Split off Hanasaki District, Nemuro Province...
  
   (色丹郡) - split off from Hanasaki District in 1885; currently occupied and administered by Russia
• Uruppu (得撫郡) - acquired in Treaty of Saint Petersburg (1875); ceded in San Francisco Treaty
• Shimushiro (新知郡) - acquired in Treaty of Saint Petersburg; ceded in San Francisco Treaty
• Shumushu (占守郡) - acquired in Treaty of Saint Petersburg; ceded in San Francisco Treaty

Karafuto

Karafuto region

Karafuto Prefecture

, commonly called South Sakhalin, was the Japanese administrative division corresponding to Japanese territory on Sakhalin from 1905 to 1945. Through the Treaty of Portsmouth, the portion of Sakhalin south of 50°N became a colony of Japan in 1905...

 was the area of Sakhalin

Sakhalin

Sakhalin or Saghalien, is a large island in the North Pacific, lying between 45°50' and 54°24' N.It is part of Russia, and is Russia's largest island, and is administered as part of Sakhalin Oblast...

 south of the border established by the 1875 Treaty of Saint Petersburg between Japan and Russia. After the 1905 Treaty of Portsmouth

Treaty of Portsmouth

The Treaty of Portsmouth formally ended the 1904-05 Russo-Japanese War. It was signed on September 5, 1905 after negotiations at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine in the USA.-Negotiations:...

, Karafuto was administered from Toyohara in Karafuto Prefecture

Karafuto Prefecture

, commonly called South Sakhalin, was the Japanese administrative division corresponding to Japanese territory on Sakhalin from 1905 to 1945. Through the Treaty of Portsmouth, the portion of Sakhalin south of 50°N became a colony of Japan in 1905...

.