Magome Juku

Back when people had to travel from Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto by foot or horse, there were five routes. The most popular route, Tokaido, ran along the sea. Another, Nakasendo, ran inland. The name means inner-mountain road. There were 69 rest areas (I know, hilarious). I went to two of them this weekend. Now they're crazy tourist spots. Magome Juku was stop #43 and the first stop in Gifu. Here's some pics:

There were a couple of cool watermills. It said they produced electricity... just like in the 1600s, I guess.

There were a ton of people walking their dogs there. I guess it's common knowledge that dogs love crowed stone paths.

 A watermill and the post office for your viewing pleasure.

A senbei shop.

Kind of an interesting cultural note: They put carp in the fire cistern so that if ever put out a fire, they know there's fish crap all over the saved structure.

A tour guide getting her stretch on.

Airing out the futons.

A vending machine with beer, coffee, etc.