Just like Okute-juku, Hosokute-juku, which is located in the depths of mountains, it gives us a feel for the rustic atmosphere.
In “Koshin-do,” which was built to ward off evil, there is a 300-year-old stone building; and “Daikokuya,” which has venerable goodwill, is the Bishu Tokugawa’s “teihonjin” and remains to conduct business just as it was 140 years ago.
◆From Hosokute-juku to Mitake town border
In this portion of the course, the Nakasendo passes into a mountain ridge, which is traffic-free and remains much as it was.
There are “Akibasaka Sanzon,” where travelers used to put their hands together and pray for their safety during their travels, and “Konosu-no-Ichiri Zuka,” a remaining Ichiri Zuka, the like of which can’t be seen east of here for a while.
Around Akibasaka Sanzon, there is an old avenue of pine trees, which creates an atmosphere of calmness, and you can enjoy a view beyond the avenue of pine trees.
◆From Mizunami City border to Mitake-juku
In most of this portion of the course, the Nakasendo passes the Tokai Nature Trail from Hosokute-juku, and is extremely wellpreserved as it was.
There are many remains related to Imperial Princess Kazunomiya's marriage, such as “Moronoki-toge-no-gotenba ruin” and “Hitonomi-no-shimizu.” In particular, in the north of Moronoki-toge-no-gotenba ruin there is an observation tower with a view of the beautiful Japan Alps far away, which is the best place to enjoy your lunch.
There are restored Ichiri Zuka and wellmaintained stone pavements in Utouzaka. Well-repaired remains give us feeling of nostalgia.
Slightly apart from Nakasendo-honsen is “Nanagozen-maria-no-sato.” Why don’t you drop in?
The Tokai Nature Trail from Saigyo Zuka and Makigane-no-Ichiri Zuka splits off to the south when it passes over Mitake-juku.
