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A historical facility that completely reconstructs an Edo-period barrier station.
After Ieyasu Tokugawa entered the Kanto region and established the Edo shogunate, the importance of the Tokaido highway connecting Edo and Kyoto increased, and it was necessary to strictly control the entry and exit of people to maintain the security of Edo. Hakone, known as "Hakone Hachi RI", with its steep mountain roads, was an ideal location because it was difficult to find a way through, so in Genna 5 (1619), a barrier was established by Lake Ashinoko.
The Hakone Sekisho was also abolished due to the total abolition of the Sekisho in Meiji2 (1869)., but in Heisei 19 (2007), based on excavations and historical documents, the restoration of the large guardhouse and the Kamiban resting place were completed and opened to the public.
As the saying goes, "In with the guns, out with the women". At the Sekisho at that time, the weapons entering Edo and the women leaving Edo were especially monitored. However, the Imakiri barrier (located on the shores of Lake Hamana) was responsible for checking weapons, while the Hakone barrier did not conduct any special checks, but was strict about women. Based on a passing bill with detailed physical characteristics, it is said that a person called Hitomi-onna untied and checked the hair tied by women. In the museum, a doll is used to recreate the process called "De-onna Aratame".
Photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town
Travelers coming from the west first pass through the Kyoguchi Gate. Photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town
A large guardhouse where officials inspected travelers. Photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town
The traveler waited on the ground in front for the official's inspection. Photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town
Panoramic view of the barrier and Lake Ashinoko seen from the Toumibansho Photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town
The cobblestone streets of the old Tokaido highway remain nearby. Photo courtesy of Tourism Division, Planning and Tourism Department, Hakone Town
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This was a military checkpoint in the Edo period. I don't know much about history, so there wasn't much for me to see.
But it's a nice place for a walk and to pass the time.
I'd recommend it more for people who are interested in Japanese history.
The Edo period historical scene is really well restored here.
It recreates the historical culture of the Edo period, and the scenery is also quite nice.
You can see Lake Ashi and the pirate ship from here!