🗺️ Okeikawa-juku, a post town on the Nakasendo Road.中山道宿場町 桶川宿

Okechika-juku in Omiya City, Saitama Prefecture, was the sixth post town on the Nakasendo during the Edo period (1603-1868), a time when it flourished. It still retains the appearance of ancient Japan today. At that time, it served as a distribution center for agricultural products, especially safflower, and "Okechika Benizuri" became well-known throughout Japan, contributing to its prosperity. Within the area, the "Inari Shrine" houses stone lanterns donated by safflower merchants from that era, as well as Japan's first "Chikaraishi" (strength stone). The "Shimamura Family Residence" was built in 1836 and still preserves the appearance of a post town on the Nakasendo from that time. Additionally, it is said that the "Okechika Gion Festival," held annually since the mid-Edo period, remains a major celebration in Saitama Prefecture. Furthermore, at the tourism service center "Nakasendo Post Town Hall," visitors can obtain free historical materials and tourist brochures about the Nakasendo, as well as take a break.

The 6th post station of the Nakasendo. At that time, it was famous for its red dye production. Today, it still retains the ancient appearance of Japan. Every summer, it hosts the lively "Okegawa Gion Matsuri."