| 45th Station: Shono |
| History |
Like the previous station, Ishiyakushi, this station was also an agricultural area with a small population. There were not many inns in this district and they had a financial problem. Nonetheless, this station is still famous for the Hiroshige's ukiyoe--- in fact, it is said that this is one of the best in the ukiyoe history.
During the Edo period, this district often suffered from floods after floods, and here is an interesting story---
Because of the frequent floods, village people asked the governor to build a dam, but their inquiry was rejected; they worried about inundations around the castle town which was located across from the river. However, the village could not stand the endless floods, and they decided to make a dam themselves without permission-- they were prepared for any serious penalty. A woman called Kiku said "we would be executed if we do without permission. We can't lose men's life or we would lose the village itself. We women will built a dam instead." 200 women started building the dam during the nights and 6 years later, the dam was completed. Their secret work was revealed and some representatives, including Kiku, was decided to be executed. When they were about to be executed, one senior retainer, Matsuno Seihoo begged the master to save their lives, and his entreaty was accepted; instead of execution, the women received an award for their great work.
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| Ishiyakushi |
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| Kameyama |
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| Tokaido route |