There are natural stones with holes in the middle of them scattered along Hommachi Street. The stones were used as hitching posts for pack horses during the Edo Period (1603-1868). They were placed on both sides of houses to make it easier to bring loads inside.
The stones look too small to hold horses, but about two thirds of their length is below the ground. This makes them quite stable.
Actually, it was said that Nirasaki-shuku was famous for its flies. Of course, the large number of horses meant that there were many flies. Seen another way, however, this was a sign that the post station was flourishing. The stones are a reminder of the time when Nirasaki-shuku was bustling with people and horses.
The stones look too small to hold horses, but about two thirds of their length is below the ground. This makes them quite stable.
Actually, it was said that Nirasaki-shuku was famous for its flies. Of course, the large number of horses meant that there were many flies. Seen another way, however, this was a sign that the post station was flourishing. The stones are a reminder of the time when Nirasaki-shuku was bustling with people and horses.