Hida Province

Hida province is a landlocked area in the uplands bounded by several mountain ranges.  To the north is Johana-mine, which is composed of relatively small peaks.  To the southwest is Ryohaku-sanchi.  To the southeast is Hida-sanmyaku, which is part of the major series of ranges running through the central part of eastern Honshu.  All of the land in the province is classed as either rough or mountain. The land is relatively poor for farming, and thus must import fair quantities of its food stuffs.  To compensate for this lack, the kami have blessed the province with extensive forests which provide lumber known throughout Nippon for its durability and beauty.

Although the province is recognized by the Imperial court as being under the sway of a full daimyo, the actual situation is somewhat more complex.  The recognized ruling clan is the Washima Clan.  They rule the city of Takayama and most of the prime land surrounding it.  The rest of the province is governed by other, less powerful clans who are under the sway of the Washima.  This influence ranges from formal alliances and marital relations to simple fear.  The Washima prefer a series of lesser clans acting as buffers between themselves and hostile clans of neighbouring provinces. The Washima are careful to ensure the loyalty of such border clans.

The Washima rule a coalition of clans. This is the current result of a multi-year struggle to unite the clans in the area.  The Washima have taken control and have alliances with each of the major clans.  Ultimately, their goal is to absorb all the clans into their own clan.  This plan is being brought about through intermarriage with the larger clans and gradually assimilating the smaller ones through feudatory relationships.

In Hida province, the law of the daimyo family, the Washima, runs through the territories of the lesser samurai. The larger clans are free to promulgate their own laws, although most do not differ significantly from those of the Washima.