Carved in stone is a tale of travel. It speaks of the \u65e5\u91ce\u306e\u6e21\u3057\u7891. This monument marks a historic river crossing.
Let’s explore the story of the \u65e5\u91ce\u306e\u6e21\u3057\u7891. This stone monument stands near the old Koshu Road. It commemorates the Hino Ferry crossing of the Tama River.
The Koshu Road was one of the Five Routes. Tokugawa Ieyasu established these routes. They served as vital paths to Edo. They also provided escape routes in case Edo Castle fell. The establishment date of the Hino Ferry is unclear. It was likely moved to its current location when the road was built.
The stone monument bears an inscription. It reads like a traveler’s reflection. “Who knows when the Hino Ferry began?” It notes its relocation during the mid-Edo period. The inscription also captures the traveler’s sense of crossing a border. Those journeying from Shinshu, Koshu or Sagami felt they entered a foreign land. Those heading to Edo felt they had arrived upon reaching it.
Another smaller stone monument sits nearby. It has a poem inscribed on it. The poem speaks of inviting local residents and river spirits. They would gather to drink and celebrate.
The \u65e5\u91ce\u306e\u6e21\u3057\u7891u3000is located near the present-day Kinmachi sewage treatment plant. The closest station is Shibasaki taiikukan. It is on the Tama Toshi Monorail Line. The monument is within walking distance of Tachikawa Station.
Until the Taisho era no bridge existed. During the winter travelers used a temporary bridge. In summer they used a ferry boat. This ferry crossing was called “Hino no Watashi”.
In 1926 the Hino Bridge was built. It was designed by Isoda Jun. He worked for an American company for many years. He foresaw the increase in automobile traffic. The completion of the Hino Bridge led to the end of the Hino Ferry.
In 1986 a group erected the \u65e5\u91ce\u306e\u6e21\u3057\u7891. It was near the former ferry site. It was on the corner of the sewage treatment plant grounds.
Today you can see the \u65e5\u91ce\u306e\u6e21\u3057\u7891. It serves as a reminder of olden times. It reminds us when travelers relied on ferries. Imagine those travelers crossing the river. They carried hopes of new beginnings.