How wide was the vista from here back in the Edo period? This is the site of the Ōtsu-juku Honjin Trace. Honjin were lodging facilities for daimyos and officials. They were prominent during the Edo period. Ōtsu-juku was the largest post station on the Tōkaidō Road.
Ōtsu-juku flourished as a hub for both land and water transportation. It was the convergence point of the Hokkoku and Tōkaidō roads. The Honjin here was the Ōsako Kichiemon residence. It was one of two Honjin in Ōtsu-juku.
Imagine the scene. The Honjin was a grand three-story building. It offered stunning views of Lake Biwa. The panoramic vista must have been breathtaking.
Today only a stone monument remains. It marks a visit by Emperor Meiji. The monument stands as a reminder of the past. It marks the Ōtsu-juku Honjin Trace.
The Ōtsu-juku Honjin Trace connects us to the Edo period. It reminds us of the travelers. They sought rest at this very spot. Close your eyes. Can you imagine the daimyo gazing out over Lake Biwa from here?