三さん都と

noun

the three great cities (Edo, Kyoto, Osaka)

Historical term from the Edo period; refers specifically to Edo, Kyoto, and Osaka as the three major urban centers of Japan.

• 江え戸ど時じ代だい、三さん都とは江え戸ど、京きょう都と、大おお坂さかを指さした。

  In the Edo period, the three great cities referred to Edo, Kyoto, and Osaka.