Stepping into Shinagawa Honjin Ato, imagine bustling Edo-era travelers. Shinagawa Honjin Ato, also known as Shinagawa Shukuhonjin, was a crucial stop on the Tokaido Road. This wasn’t just any inn. It served as a lodging for daimyos, aristocrats, and even the Meiji Emperor himself during his travels. Shinagawa Honjin originally consisted of two separate inns, the North and South Shinagawa Shukuhonjin. Later, only the North Shinagawa Shukuhonjin remained.
The current ruins date back to 1771. They were designated a public park in the Taisho era (1912-1926), preserving the historical significance of this important landmark. Imagine the scene: colorful kago (palanquins) arriving, their important passengers stepping out onto the grounds of Shinagawa Honjin. Servants scurried around attending to their needs, preparing for their stay. The air buzzed with the excitement of travelers from different parts of Japan, exchanging stories and news from their respective domains. Kanban (signboards) adorned the entrance, proudly displaying the names of the distinguished guests staying within. These signs signaled the importance of the inn and the status of those who sought refuge within its walls.
In 1868, Shinagawa Honjin served as a temporary palace (angya) for Emperor Meiji during his journey from Kyoto to Edo, which was later renamed Tokyo. This further solidified the inn’s importance in Japanese history. Today, Shinagawa Honjin Ato offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo. The park’s entrance features a repurposed street pine tree originally from the Tsuchibanashi Shukuhonjin, another inn on the Tokaido Road. It is a testament to the interconnectedness of these historical sites. As you stroll through the serene grounds of Shinagawa Honjin Ato, remnants of a bygone era whisper stories of the past.