I
resumed my walk along the Nikko Kaido. Today's walk covered about 8 kilometers,
from Soka (the second shukuba station from Nihonbashi) to Koshigaya (the
third atation).
Soka City has a population of 250,000. It locates north of Adachi Ward in Tokyo and developed as a commuter town for Tokyo after World War 2.
The Nikko Kaido runs parallel to the Tobu Railway (Skytree Line). The buildings of the Edo-period were lost in this area by fire in the Meiji era. Nevertheless, many buildings with a traditional atmosphere remain along the Nikko Kaido. Some parts of the Nikko Kaido have wide bicycle lanes.
Soka is famous for “Soka senbei,” a brand of rice crackers baked with soy sauce. The senbei originated in the Edo period and became nationally known after the Meiji era. Many senbei shops stands along the Nikko Kaido.
I found a stone monument marking the birthplace of Soka senbei at the northern part of Soka shukuba station. (See the 2nd photo)
Passing through the shukuba station, I came across a row of pine trees. It is about 1.5 kilometer long and 643 Japanese black pine trees are planted along the Nikko Kaido. The place is known as Soka Matsubara. (See the top and 2nd photos)
The Ayase River flows along the pine row.
The pine tree-row was originally developed in the Edo period. However, many trees withered due to the effects of automobile exhaust after World War 2. People began to make efforts I the 1970s to replant trees and convert the area into a walking path. It has now become a place of relaxation for people.
Soka Matsubara is also known as a place associated with Matsuo Basho, a famous haiki poet in the Edo era, and with his work "Oku no Hosomichi." Basho’s statue stands here.
At Soka, the city’s administration and citizens are working together to preserve its history and promote tourism. I saw informational facilities and signs throughout the city.
Near Soka Matsubara, a large-scale housing complex, considered one of the largest in Asia at the time, was built in the 1960s. Currently, redevelopment has transformed it into a residential area with commercial facilities. The station name changed from the former Matsubara Danchi to Dokkyo University-mae.
I continued walking north and entered Koshigaya City. This area is low-laying, and there were signs warning of the risk of flooding.
Koshigaya is known for its doll-making industry. I found some doll shops along the Nikko Kaido.
