The Nakasendo was one of the Five Routes constructed under Tokugawa Ieyasu; a series of roads linking the historical capitol of Edo with the rest of Japan.

The Nakasendo connected Edo with the then-capital of Kyoto. It was an alternate route to the Tokaido and travelled through the central part of Honshu; thus giving rise to its name; which means 'Central Mountain Road'. Along this road; there were sixty-nine different post stations (-shuku or -juku); which provided stables; food; and lodging for travelers.

Pictures From History H.W. Belcher