府(ふ)

府(ふ) is an administrative designation for urban prefectures in Japan.

Usage

Only two prefectures use 府(ふ):

• 大阪(おおさか)府(ふ) (Osaka)
• 京都(きょうと)府(ふ) (Kyoto)

Cultural note

Japan's 47 prefectures are of four kinds:

• 都(と): Tokyo only (東京都(とうきょうと))
• 道(どう): Hokkaido only (北海道(ほっかいどう))
• 府(ふ): Osaka, Kyoto
• 県(けん): All other 43 prefectures

Etymology

The 府(ふ) designation dates from the Meiji period when these cities served as major urban centers. There were originally more 府(ふ) designations, but most were changed to 県(けん).

Related words

• 県(けん): prefecture (most common)
• 知事(ちじ): prefectural governor
• 府民(ふみん): residents of Osaka/Kyoto Prefecture