[Even the Shinsengumi visited!] Introducing Kusatsujuku Honjin and Kusatsujuku Kaido Communication Center

Reminiscing about the Edo period at Kusatsu-shuku

Kusatsu-juku was located at the junction and branching point of the Tokaido and Nakasendo roads. According to records from the Tenpo era in the Edo period, there were two honjin inns where feudal lords and nobles could stay, two side honjin inns, and over 70 lodgings.

Additionally, at the wholesale markets where goods were sent off, along with Shinagawa and Fuchu post towns along the Tokaido road, there were also post offices where the weight of goods was inspected, and many people and goods passed through, facilitating the exchange of information and culture.

Tanaka Shichizaemon Honjin is one of the largest honjin in existence today and is a nationally designated historic site known as Kusatsujuku Honjin, which still retains the atmosphere of the time and continues to invite many people into the world of Edo.

The nearby Kusatsu-shuku Kaido Communication Center provides easy-to-understand information about the road and post towns through exhibits and experiences.

What is Kusatsu-juku Honjin?

The Tanaka Shichizaemon family is said to have been appointed as the honjin position in 1635, and served as such for approximately 240 years until the terms honjin and wakihonjin were abolished in 1870.

The Tanaka family also ran a lumber business as a side job, so the family was also known as "Kiya Honjin."

Since the Meiji period, the vast Shichizaemon Honjin mansion has been used as the Kurita County Office and Central Community Center, and has been expanded and remodeled each time. However, it has been carefully passed down through the Tanaka family, and in 1949, it was designated a national historic site as it has well retained its original appearance from the Edo period.

Upper room

This was the most prestigious room in the honjin and was used as a resting place for lords and other guests.

Daifuku Book

The daifukucho, which is equivalent to a guest register, contains records of the stays of famous historical figures such as Kira Kozukenosuke, famous for the story of Chushingura, Asano Takumi no Kami, Princess Kazunomiya, and the Shinsengumi.

Rakuzakan

It opened in 2014 on land adjacent to the Kusatsujuku Honjin. Items related to the Honjin are on display.

Note

Kusatsujuku Honjin will be closed from Saturday, June 1st, 2024 to Monday, March 31st, 2025 due to earthquake-resistance construction work on the current public area.

What is Kusatsu-shuku Kaido Communication Center?

Kusatsu-shuku Kaido Communication Center is a historical museum that introduces the history and culture of Kusatsu, focusing on the post towns and roads of the Edo period.

You can learn about the state of the highways and post towns from historical materials such as old documents and ukiyo-e prints, a replica model of Kusatsu-juku, and an experience corner.

Model of a Japanese inn

Along with a nearly life-size model of an inn, the exhibit showcases the meals served at Kusatsu-juku inns.

Kusatsu townscape model

A 1/200 scale model of Kusatsu post station in the late Edo period.

Ukiyo-e Printing Experience

There is also an ukiyo-e print experience corner where you can experience the ukiyo-e production process. Why not try your hand at becoming a first-class printer?

Check the official website for details!

Official website here