provincial capital; provincial office
Historical term for the administrative center of a province under the ritsuryō system (7th–10th centuries). Refers to both the capital city and the government office.
public place of imperial rule
Rare, broader historical sense referring to a place where imperial governance was publicly exercised. Often encountered in classical texts.
Under the ritsuryō system, a provincial capital was established in each province.
These ruins are thought to be the remains of a former provincial office.
In ancient times, 府中 could also refer to a place where the emperor conducted state affairs.