Kuwana
A visit to Ise, a step into the land of divine
Kuwana-juku was the 42nd post town of the Tōkaidō, counting from Nihonbashi, Tokyo. It was connected to Miya-juku (Atsuta Ward, Nagoya City) by the only sea route, Shichiri no Watashi (shichi=7 ri=
Japanese old major 27km, watashi=across river ).
When you arrive in Kuwana Senbacho from the Shichiri no Watashi, you will see the first Torii gate, Ichino Torii, of Ise Province. This Torii gate is built from the Ujibashi Torii gate of the Inner Shrine of the Grand Shrine Ise every 20 years during the Ise Shikinen Sengu (Grand Restoration), or periodic ritual relocation of the shrine, and a Shinto ritual is held in Kuwana to pulling the logs for the relocation.
Since ancient times, the people who arrived here must have felt relief and elation at having entered the divine realm the moment they entered Ise Province. Kuwana has been regarded as a special place for travelers.
Senbacho: Rice market, lumber, and geisha quarter
Kuwana, located at the mouth of the Kiso Three Rivers, prospered greatly as a distribution center because of its proximity to the rice producing areas of Ise, Mino and Owari and because lumber could easily be transported from Kiso.
This area of Nishi Senbacho was also called Kuramae, and was lined with the warehouses and main houses of wealthy merchants. Kuwana was also the only city in Japan where the rice market was held in the evening. Since the prices were set ahead of the rest of the country, it was said that "the market in Kuwana determines the market nationally," and prices was quickly relayed to Edo and Osaka by flag and smoke signals.
The rice market led to many businessmen becoming overnight tycoons. There were banquet halls and geisha quarters in Higashisenba-cho to celebrate their successes. It is said that at its peak, there were as many as 120 inns, and the area was a lively place where people and goods intersected.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Senbacho, where MARUYO HOTEL is located, created the history, economy, and culture of Kuwana.
