Hakone Sekisho | An important base that protected the security of Edo (Kanagawa)　★☆ ☆

What is Hakone Sekisho?

"Hakone Sekisho" is a restoration of the Sekisho in Lake Ashi, Kanagawa Prefecture.

The former Edo Shogunate built 53 barriers nationwide to maintain security.

Among them, I will introduce "Hakone Sekisho" which was an important base near Edo.

The role of the barrier

When you hear the word "Sekisho", you may have an image like "A gatekeeper is standing and no one without permission will pass through!"

But actually, when I entered Edo, I didn't check it.

I will explain what the actual role of Hakone Sekisho was.
(The role is slightly different depending on the barrier)

Role of Hakone Sekisho XNUMX: To keep the wife of the daimyo

The Edo Shogunate had his wife live in Edo as a hostage so that the daimyo of each region would not rebel.

Women who leave Edo (commonly known as maidens) are strictly checked at the checkpoints because it is very bad if the hostages escape.

Since the specialist to confirm was always a woman, she was feared to be called a "human being" or "a new woman".

HakoneSekisho's role XNUMX: To prevent guns from being brought into Edo

Only "maiden," "injured," "dead," and "suspicious person" needed a bill of passage, and many people were unexpectedly free to pass.

However, the luggage brought into Edo was rigorously checked for guns and weapons.

I used to call these two important roles together as "a gun and a maiden", so please be aware of this when you visit Hakone Sekisho.

Introducing Hakone Sekisho

Let's take a look at Hakone Sekisho.

The real sekisho was demolished in the late Edo period, but was accurately restored in 2004 based on excavations.

Sekisho entrance

I will enter the checkpoint.

Hakone is surrounded by mountains and the roads are limited, so it was the best place to make a barrier.

Breaking the barriers that threaten the security of Edo is the death penalty for the most sinful "crucifixion" at the time.
(By the way, when one sin is lightened, it's a bleached neck. It doesn't change that much ...)

Silhouette exhibition

Models of people and horses are placed to reproduce the situation at that time.

It's uncolored, but it's not without budget.

Even in the excavation survey, the color of the clothes and the type of horse are not known, so in order to avoid an image that is different from the historical fact, we dare to display the silhouette without painting it.

Tomi Bandokoro

At the end of the stairs, there is a lookout stand at that time.

The stairs may look shabby at 69 steps, but you have a bad footing so be careful when climbing.

Maybe I'll die if I go on a hot summer day.

At the lookout stand at that time, two people took turns watching day and night.

The person watching over is also properly reproduced with a doll.

There is a lookout, so you can get a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

You can also see Lake Ashi, which is a pretty good view.

Resurrection well

The well was built over 140 years ago, but the water is still boiling.

Wells in castles are often dead, but it's amazing.

Resting place

This is a scene of eating at a resting place.

Job titles and the number of people at the checkpoint are also assigned based on the survey.

A panoramic view of the barrier

In addition, a set of facilities found in the survey, such as the kitchen and bath, has been reproduced.

Hakone Sekisho Museum

There is a museum about 200m away from the checkpoint, so let's go there as well.

I will go through a cobblestone road like this.

It is the appearance of the museum.

The contents of the exhibition may be a little strict except for history enthusiasts.

Tickets will be shared with Hakone Sekisho.

Time required and congestion

Hakone Sekisho 30 minutes + Museum 15 minutes, I think it's about 45 minutes in total.

Most of the exhibitions are outdoors, so there is no crowded place.

Business hours and admission fees, great discounts

If you have a Hakone Freepass, you will get a 100 yen discount.

Access

It takes about 5 minutes on foot from Hakone Town Port to reach the checkpoint.

The recommended route to go is "Hakone Ropeway (Owakudani)-> Hakone Pirate Ship-> Hakone Town Port-> Walk".

The reason why this route is good is that it is not easily affected by the suspension of the ropeway, but details are explained on the Hakone Pirate Ship page.

Traffic conditions in Hakone(Convenient because you can see the traffic situation in Hakone all together)

Map

Finally

Hakone Sekisho may end up in a "place with a nice view" if you go without prior knowledge.

Volunteer guides may explain it, but I think it will be more enjoyable if you keep the things introduced in this article in the corner of your head.