“Where exactly did the ancient Heian-kyo road run?” someone might ask. This stele marks the spot. We are standing before the Heian-kyo Higashi-Notoin-odori Higashi-zume Ato stele. It quietly commemorates a significant piece of Kyoto’s history.
This stone marker signifies the跡(ato) remains of the Heian-kyo Higashi-Notoin-odori Higashi-zume. It marks the eastern edge of Higashi-Notoin-odori. Higashi-Notoin-odori was a major avenue in Heian-kyo.
Heian-kyo was the ancient capital of Japan. It existed from 794 to 1868. Today, we know it as Kyoto. Higashi-Notoin-odori was the second major street counting from the east.
During the Heian and Kamakura periods this street was lined with residences. These residences belonged to powerful figures. These included imperial family members and high-ranking officials.
The stele text indicates an archaeological survey. It took place in 1978. The survey revealed traces from the late Heian period dating back to the 11th century. These traces included the remains of Higashi-Notoin-odori east side.
Also building clusters and wells from the Muromachi period were found. These discoveries help us understand the layout and life of ancient Kyoto. This stele stands 154 cm tall and is 21 cm wide and deep.
According to the 平家物語(Heike Monogatari). In 1184 the severed heads of the Taira clan members were paraded along this street. The heads were taken after the Battle of Ichinotani.
Also in 1185, the heads of Taira no Munemori and his son Kiyomune were displayed. This happened after their defeat at the Battle of Dannoura. Emperor Go-Shirakawa viewed their heads at the intersection with Sanjo-odori.
During the Muromachi period, workshops lined Higashi-Notoin-odori. They stretched from Ooyoso Shio-koji to Hachijo-odori. Metalworking and other crafts flourished here. This area became a center for commerce.
In 1238 the Kamakura shogunate established guard stations in Kyoto. Five of these were located along this street. This highlights the street’s strategic importance.
Around 1342, an incident occurred involving 土岐頼遠(Toki Yoritō). He was known as “婆沙羅大名(Basara Daimyo).” He behaved rudely towards the retired Emperor Go-Kogon. This incident led to Toki Yoritō’s execution.
During the Edo period many shops lined the street. These included tea merchants, paper shops and pigment stores. The street was a center for various trades.
In 1716 the street became Kyoto’s first one-way street. This was done to ease traffic congestion. Today Higashi-Notoin-dori is a narrow lane. It still carries echoes of its past. It is a reminder of Kyoto’s rich history. The Heian-kyo Higashi-Notoin-odori Higashi-zume Ato stele serves as a guide. It marks a spot where history whispers. It connects us to the lives and events of old Kyoto.