1. Introduction

According to a proverb, "All roads lead to Rome." In the Roman Empire, a reticulated road system was maintained, and many roads were paved. Thanks to these roads, people were able to go long distances and when revolts occurred, the Roman Army was able to come running in a great hurry. Therefore, the Roman Empire flourished, and the era in Rome, what is called the Roman peace, lasted a long time.

In the meantime, in Japan, a reticulated road system was also maintained in the Edo Period (1603-1868). Among them, main roads were called “Kaido.” These roads had not been paved yet, but people in the Edo Period were able to go far much more easily than people before the Edo Period. One of the reasons why the peaceful years of the Edo Period had continued for over 200 years was because of the network of roads. By the way, after the Edo Period, namely after the Meiji Period until today, the new main roads in Japan were basically from Kaido in the Edo Period. In addition, not only National routes but also expressways, railroads, and high-speed Japanese trains (Shinkansen) originated from Kaido.

Among Kaido, the Edo Shogunate set five roads starting from Nihonbashi, in Edo City the most important ones. These roads are “Gokaido” (Edo Five Routes). Of course, they influence today’s traffic system a lot, for example, the Tokaido Shinkansen. Therefore, by seeing Edo Five Routes, we will be able to understand not only Japanese traditional culture but also today’s Japanese traffic system and Japanese history until today more in detail.

Here will first describe the history of the Edo Five Routes. Following this, salient features of each of Edo Five Routes will be discussed. Then, culture relating to Edo Five Routes will be considered. Finally, Edo Five Routes leading to the future are presented.

>>> 2. History  

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