GASHUN
rays II
Wakihonjin (脇本陣)
Tsumago (妻籠) is a "Post Town" on Nakasendo (中山道) the old route from Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo). During the Edo period (17th century) that Shoguns ruled Japan, the feudal lords were required to come to Edo once every two years to pay respects to the Shogun. The Nakasendo trail was one of the two routes that they could take from Kyoto. And the post towns along the way were places for trading and for spending the night and had 69 post towns along the way, one of which was Tsumago.
The Honjin (本陣) was the principal inn and served government officials who were traveling through. When more lodging was required, the Wakihonjin (脇本陣) served to accommodate the travelers of lower status. Tsumago also maintains the office where laborers and horses were rented to aid in travel.
The town has been beautifully restored with a broad stone walkway lined with carefully tended foliage. Cars are prohibited on the main street in the day and phone lines and power cables are kept concealed, allowing visitors to imagine they have slipped back to an earlier time.
Tsumago-juku (妻籠宿) Nagiso town, Nagano Pref. Japan
rays II
Wakihonjin (脇本陣)
Tsumago (妻籠) is a "Post Town" on Nakasendo (中山道) the old route from Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo). During the Edo period (17th century) that Shoguns ruled Japan, the feudal lords were required to come to Edo once every two years to pay respects to the Shogun. The Nakasendo trail was one of the two routes that they could take from Kyoto. And the post towns along the way were places for trading and for spending the night and had 69 post towns along the way, one of which was Tsumago.
The Honjin (本陣) was the principal inn and served government officials who were traveling through. When more lodging was required, the Wakihonjin (脇本陣) served to accommodate the travelers of lower status. Tsumago also maintains the office where laborers and horses were rented to aid in travel.
The town has been beautifully restored with a broad stone walkway lined with carefully tended foliage. Cars are prohibited on the main street in the day and phone lines and power cables are kept concealed, allowing visitors to imagine they have slipped back to an earlier time.
Tsumago-juku (妻籠宿) Nagiso town, Nagano Pref. Japan