Old Routes of Japan: Tracking down Japan off the beaten path from the eyes of a Japanese native

Yamazaki is famous for two things: 1582 battle of Yamazaki, and the first whisky distillery of Japan. Lord Hideyoshi Hashiba whose surname was changed in 1586 as Toyotomi, turned his troops back from Bitchu-Takamatsu, today’s western Okayama city, all the way to Yamazaki, to engage the battle with lord Mitsuhide Akechi, who attacked lord Nobunaga Oda and caused his death. Hideyoshi’s troops moved nearly 200 km in a week or so, which was surprisingly quick. Scholars analyze that Hideyoshi might have already known Akechi’s attack against Oda in advance, so he might have prepared all logistics and food for return trip.  Before entering Yamazaki inn town, this area has a lot to see. As mentioned earlier, near Hankyu railways Nishiyama-Tennozan station, I see a spring water sign that Hideyoshi had during the battle of Yamazaki. Further south west, along the highway, around Highway E1 Oyamazaki interchange, there are spots of the actual battle.  The actual site of Saigoku Kaido Yama...

San’yodo/Saigoku Kaido begins at Toji(東寺) temple, Kyoto.  This time, I am showing you a bit about Saigoku Kaido route itself according to Google map because it is not a famous route.  This is Toji South Gate. And The route goes westward. Toji itself is a famous temple in Kyoto, established in 796. It is a World Heritage, and this is a part of south edge of Heiankyo old capital city.  National R-1 in front of Toji is where Suzaku-Oji Avenue, the south edge of Haiankyo old capital used to be. R-1 goes south at the southwest corner of Toji, eventually joining Kyo-Kaido, or known as the extension of old Tokaido.  Shortly you will see Rajomon gate ruin.(The picture above) You will have to take a step off from the Main Street in order to see the monument of the ruins. Rajomon is also called Rashomon, or Raseimon. It was built in 789.  Saigoku Kaido continues on westward and bear left at Kujo-Onmae intersection.  Google map shows Saigoku Kaido clearly on this sect...