I'd also prefer Hingashi to remain a completely off-limits area because we don't need to have access to the entire map. It's one of the few nations where we're not personal friends with the ruling body, and being granted access to small limited areas (such as Mount Rokkon) works well to expand the area when we need to.

Regarding the hourglass artifact, one important detail is that it glowed with Azem's symbol during the final trial cutscenes. It's either Ancient technology that reacted to our Azem stone, or was created by Azem itself.

Thus, I think the future might be about delving into the Azem character. We've always assumed they were us, but Azem probably existed post-Sundering before us in some manner if they created/delivered this artifact to the South Sea Isles. It's also entirely possible that Azem could have awakened in another reflection similar to Fandaniel, pitting us against them for some reason.