Site of Matsubara Okoyasumijo
A Noble Rest Spot
The Yogawa-michi was an alternative route that was used by travelers when the Nakasendo, which ran alongside the Kiso River, was impassable due to landslides or floods. According to documents from 1731, there were three places along the Yogawa-michi where persons of rank could take a little rest: this one at Matsubara, another at Ne-no-Ue Pass, and the third at Momo-no-Ki Pass.
Care was taken to site each rest spot at the most agreeable location possible. The two on the passes would have offered spectacular views, while this one was probably chosen for its proximity to the burbling stream below. Trees were cleared and the ground leveled to make space for temporary structures where persons of rank could relax. The trees on the slope down to the stream may also have been cut back to provide more of a view.