March 10, 2023 Day 16: Ohara, Chizu & Wakasa

Located in the Mimasaka valley, Ohara-juku is a post town along the ancient Inaba Road which was used by Emperor Go-Daigo on his journeys to the capital during the Heian period. Also known as Furumachi or Old Town, it consists of roughly 30 wooden buildings with tiled roofs elevated from the ground along the ancient trade route. The settlement developed during the Edo period as a rest point for travelers journeying between Kyoto and Edo. Its importance came from its location on the sankin-kotai route, where regional lords and their entourages passed regularly. Chizu town is a small quiet community where the Kamigata and Bizen roads diverged during the Edo period. Since the route to the capitol Edo (present-day Tokyo) went through these parts, the feudal lord of the Ikeda Clan stopped here often. An inn was built here for that purpose and a village quickly formed around it. With its abundance of valuable trees, forestry became one of Chizu’s primary industries. The Ishitani family amassed a fortune through this endeavor, and their home is a must-see experience while here. Located deep in the Chugoku mountains, Wakasa is a small village that is home of one Japan’s unique temples, Fudoin Iwayado. Built in 806, the temple’s main hall is located within a cave. Though the main hall is typically closed to the public, it can be viewed from the bottom of the approach.