Sekikawa Checkpoint Remains

Overview

The Sekikawa Checkpoint Remains are located on the border between Shinano and Echigo provinces. As one of the most important checkpoints on the Hokkoku Kaido (Northern Route), it played a significant role during the Edo period. Governed by the Takada Domain, it saw the passage of many goods, including firearms, women (iri-teppo-de-onna), daimyo traveling to and from Edo (sankin kotai), and gold from Sado Island, leading to strict enforcement. Checkpoints were crucial facilities for closely monitoring people and goods crossing borders, ensuring regional security. Today, the Sekikawa Checkpoint Remains preserve structures and historical materials providing insight into the checkpoint's past. The adjacent historical museum features exhibits on the checkpoint and the Hokkoku Kaido, offering opportunities to learn about the daily life and culture of the time. Visiting the Sekikawa Checkpoint Remains offers a valuable experience allowing you to feel the history of the Edo period firsthand.