The remains of an important barrier along the Nakasendo Highway

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Photo courtesy of Gugutto Gunma Photo Gallery

Severe barrier on the Nakasendo Highway

The Nakasendo, which passes through the Usui no Sekimyo, is one of the five highways, and the barrier was located between Matsuida-juku and Sakamoto-juku. It is said that a barrier was built here during the Genna period (around 1615-1623) in the Edo period (1603-1863). It was an important barrier along with Hakone-no-seki on the Tokaido Highway and Fukushima-juku on the Nakasendo Highway as it was a strategic point to protect the border of the Kanto region where three rivers meet and narrow at the southern foot of Usui Pass. When the Edo Shogunate began the shift of daimyo to Edo (present-day Tokyo), "incoming guns and outgoing women" were strictly monitored to prevent the entry of weapons into Edo and the escape of wives and children of feudal lords who were sent to live in Edo as hostages back to their home countries. The east gate was restored in 1960 using gate doors and pillars left in old houses in the city. The site, along with the archives, preserves the past.
Please stop by when you visit Yokogawa. It will make your visit to Yokogawa even more enjoyable!

Usui is a natural barrier and the best place for a barrier!

Photo courtesy of Gugutto Gunma Photo Gallery

There are also some famous ekiben (boxed lunches) that you should visit and taste in conjunction with the barrier!

Photo courtesy of Gugutto Gunma Photo Gallery
Photo courtesy of Gugutto Gunma Photo Gallery

In addition to the Usui Sekisho ruins, there is a history of the Usui Pass, a railroad theme park related to the pass, and an ekiben store in the area.
Gugutto Gunma official website
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