小方(Ogata): an unofficial inn town south of Kuba
小方(Ogata) unofficial inn town is about 20 minutes walk south of JR Kuba station. According to a couple of guide maps, there is very little information. I watched one of YouTube channels and read guide maps. And it looks like series of old houses start here. So I am guessing this is the beginning of Ogata unofficial inn town. Basically going southwestward. Turning right here. Then turn left. I am not sure if this structure of the road was built on purpose or not. Normally, if this was an official inn town, I would say yes. In Ogata, there are very few signs that explain about San’yodo/Saigoku Kaido. Off from the main route, there is Sainenji temple, built in 1615. This temple became one of hot spots of 1866 Second Choshu Expedition(also called Choshu War). Choshu army stationed here as their base camp, and a Tokugawa’s battleship fired a canon at this temple. You will still see the scar from the canon ball. Kamei castle ruins is only ...