西国街道 Stele

Who walked the Saigoku Kaidō? Here at the Nishikidō Stele, we unravel the stories etched in stone and history. The Nishikidō Stele marks the route of the Saigoku Kaidō, also known as the San’yōdō during the Edo period. This crucial highway stretched from Kyoto to modern-day Shimonoseki. It followed a path similar to older routes. Imagine the bustling activity along the Nishikidō Stele. This was a vital artery in Japan. Travelers, merchants, and officials journeyed along this road. Goods flowed, information spread, and culture blended along this route. The section between Kyoto and Osaka was particularly significant. It was known as the “Yamashinamichi” or “Yamashinō Kaidō.” Six stations dotted this route, offering respite for weary travelers. They were Yamashiro-shuku (Ōyamashiro-chō and Shimamoto-chō), Ōigawa-shuku (Takatsuki City), Yamazaki-shuku (Shimamoto City), Hirakata-shuku (Hirakata City), Kōriyama-shuku (Itami City), and Nishinomiya-shuku (Nishinomiya City). The Nishikidō Stele reminds us of the road’s importance. It connected Kyoto to the western provinces. It facilitated trade, communication, and the exchange of ideas. This route pulsed with the lifeblood of Edo-era Japan.