Kawasaki: Postal History and Cultural Traces

Kawasaki can be explored through the history of the post station 川崎宿, its named memorial sites, and a historical culinary reference. The topics range from the establishment of a post station to people, places, and a literary mention of food. Together, they offer a cultural perspective for your trip: you can follow the development of the post station, learn about individual historical connections, and consider food culture alongside local history.

川崎宿: The History of a Post Station

The history of the municipality includes 川崎宿. The post station opened in 1623 to ease the postal service duties of the stations at Shinagawa and Kanagawa. At first, it consisted of the two settlements of Shinshuku and Isago; later, Kunezaki and Kotoro were added, so that 川崎宿 eventually comprised four settlements. This sequence makes its development easy to follow: the founding with two settlements was followed by the addition of two more. For travellers interested in history, both the purpose of its establishment and the changes to its composition are illuminating. The station can thus be understood not only by its opening year, but also by the role it was intended to play for Shinagawa and Kanagawa.

One specific name from the history of 川崎宿 is the well-known inn Mannenya. According to a record from 1863, it was the largest inn in the post station at the time. This date is distinct from the opening in 1623: it marks another point in the history of 川崎宿, this time through an individual inn and its size at the time. Visitors tracing local history through tangible names can place Mannenya alongside the development of the post station.

Memorial Sites and People

The associated municipality is home to 一行寺, also called 閻魔寺. 一行寺 has a statue of Enma; the graves of Asai Chūryō and Nishikawa Man’ō are also on its grounds. Asai Chūryō opened Kawasaki’s first Terakoya school, while Nishikawa Man’ō was associated with Fujikō. This site brings together a named statue and the graves of two people with different historical connections. It offers a different perspective from the chronology of the post station: here, the focus is on names and their recorded associations.

On the grounds of 宗三寺 in the associated municipality is a memorial tower for the 飯盛女 (courtesans) who once worked at the post station. Its dedication draws attention to a group from the history of the post station. Together with the personal connections at 一行寺, memorial sites like this add to the history of the institution 川崎宿 by telling stories about individuals and a historical group.

A Historical Speciality in Literature

Food culture is also part of the historical record: Nara-cha meshi (奈良茶飯) was a speciality of 川崎宿. In 東海道中膝栗毛, Yaji and Kita are said to have eaten the dish. This connects a historical culinary speciality with a literary reference. For travellers interested in food and storytelling traditions, it offers another way to explore local history: alongside the organisation of the post station and its named memorial sites is a dish mentioned in literature.

If you are looking for a holiday rental in Kawasaki, these topics can help shape the cultural focus of your trip. The postal history, the memorial sites, or the connection between food and literature offer different perspectives on the stories passed down over time. Consider which one interests you most and include that focus in your travel plans.

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