西さい国ごく

noun

western Japan; the western provinces

Historically refers to the western part of Japan, especially Kyushu, but sometimes extending as far east as the Kinki region. Often used in historical or geographical contexts.

• 西さい国ごくでは、九きゅう州しゅう地ち方ほうが中ちゅう心しんとされる。

  In the term 'western provinces,' the Kyushu region is considered central.

• 戦せん国ごく時じ代だい、西さい国ごくの大だい名みょうたちはしばしば同どう盟めいを結むすんだ。

  During the Warring States period, the feudal lords of western Japan often formed alliances.

noun

western countries; the West

Archaic term for Western nations, especially India or Europe, used in pre-modern contexts. In modern Japanese, 西洋 or 欧米 is more common.

• 江え戸ど時じ代だい、西さい国ごくから伝つたわった品しな々じなは珍ちん重ちょうされた。

  In the Edo period, goods brought from Western countries were highly valued.

noun

the 33 Kannon temples in Kinki; pilgrimage to the 33 Kannon temples

Refers specifically to the 33 temples in the Kinki region dedicated to Kannon (Avalokitesvara), known as 西国三十三所. The pilgrimage to these temples is called 西国巡礼.

See also: 西国三十三所

• 西さい国ごく三さん十じゅう三さん所しょ巡じゅん礼れいは、今いまでも多おおくの人ひとが行おこなう。

  The pilgrimage to the 33 Kannon temples in the western provinces is still undertaken by many people today.