Gazing at this stone marker one might wonder about its significance. This is the \u660e\u6cbb\u5929\u7687\u5fa1\u907a\u8de1 Stele. It marks a place linked to Emperor Meiji. Let’s step back in time and uncover the story behind this monument.
The \u660e\u6cbb\u5929\u7687\u5fa1\u907a\u8de1 Stele stands as a reminder of Emperor Meiji’s visits to this area. Emperor Meiji reigned from 1867 to 1912. This period saw Japan transform. It changed from a feudal nation into a modern world power.
This stele marks a site where Emperor Meiji rested. He stopped at a teahouse called Komatsuyaroku Jyoraku during his travels. These journeys occurred in 1868 1869 and 1878.
In 1868 Emperor Meiji journeyed east. In 1869 he returned from another eastern trip. 1878 saw him travel back once more. During these trips he used this teahouse. It provided a resting spot along the way.
The teahouse had a history of its own. A brave archer named Kataoka Uemonzaemon founded it. In 1447 he built a teahouse to welcome travelers. It evolved into a teahouse then an inn and finally a lodging.
Local Yamashina villagers played a role in Emperor Meiji’s travels. In 1868 sixty villagers guarded his procession to Nijo Castle. That same year others secured the routes. Forty-five villagers escorted him to Osaka.
Later in 1868 Emperor Meiji journeyed to Tokyo. Eighty-one villagers accompanied him. They guarded key locations. These included the Inner Genkan and the Imperial Cleaning Office.
In 1869 Emperor Meiji made another trip to Tokyo. Seventy-eight villagers went with him. They guarded the Imperial Palace. A villager Kokezu Bungoroemon died during this duty.
In 1870 the Yamashina village unit disbanded. They ended their service to the Imperial household.
The \u660e\u6cbb\u5929\u7687\u5fa1\u907a\u8de1 Stele commemorates Emperor Meiji’s rests. It also honors the local villagers’ support.
The teahouse no longer stands at its original location. It was moved due to redevelopment in 1994. This stele however marks its historical location. It connects us to Emperor Meiji’s era. It reminds us of local support for the emperor during a time of great change.
Standing before the \u660e\u6cbb\u5929\u7687\u5fa1\u907a\u8de1 Stele consider the past. Think about Emperor Meiji’s journeys. Remember the villagers who supported him. This monument is more than stone. It is a link to history.