Nakasendo Walk (31) Samegai(61/69)-Banba(62)-Toriimoto(63): May 4, 2019

I continued my Nakasendo Walk from Samegai, the 61th shukuba station from Nihonbashi. As　reported in the previous article, the station is famous for its clean water.

There is a shop of local products next to the railway station building. The found the store stressing Samegai’s clean water. (See the top photo)

Leaving the shukuba station, I moved westwards. I found affluent water flowing in the artificial creeks along Nakasendo.

I passed the crossing point of Meishin and Hokuriku moter Highways; found an industrial zone over a milestone.

I entered Banba, 62th shukuba station.

There stands Rengeji Temple along Nakasendo.

It was established earlier than 13^th century (A legend says that it was originally built by Prince Shotoku in the 7^th century). It now belongs to Jodo sect.

About 430 soldiers of Kamakura shogunate government committed suicide here in 1333 when they lost the war with an anti-shogunate government troops. Memorial monuments were built later to console their spirits. (see also the 2nd photo from the top)

I enjoyed beautiful countryside scenes in the area.

I walked forwards and crossed over a small pass called Surihari Pass.

Old Nakasendo remains in some parts.

I entered Hikone City from Maibara City before arriving in Toriimoto, the 63th station. A welcome monument of Hikone City was waiting me. (See the 3rd photo)

Toriimoto’s drug stores – where they sold medicines for the stomach and intestines – were famous in the Edo era. There still remain some stores. The photo shows an example.