Because of this, the area had the most Hatago, (official inns for travelers to lodge and eat) of any station on the Tokaido. About 248 Hatago were available, as well as two Honjin, and a single Waki-Honjin where high ranked daimyo, samurai, and others of importance could stay. The area’s population of about 10,000, made it among the largest stations on the Tokaido.

The next stop after Miya-Shuku was Kuwana in Mie Prefecture, about 27 km away, or seven “Ri” by the old Japanese standard of distance, This was covered by boat in three or four hours depending on conditions, leaving from the docks where the Tokugawa clan kept their huge wooden and steel clad warships. Special tour ferry services re-enacting the trip run infrequently in the summer months.

Most of the remaining Hatago and Honjin inns were destroyed in the air raid bombings of WWII, as the area was a major manufacturing base for Zero fighter plane engines. (In fact, nearby concrete walls retain the pockmarks of bullet holes from allied attack fighter planes!) What was left was mostly destroyed in the Great Ise Wan Typhoon of 1959.

The stone lanterns erected in 1625 to guide the boast in, and the old bell tower first built in 1676 have been rebuilt at Miya no Watashi Park. The original bell now resides in the nearby Zofuku-ji Temple. The bell tower, an important part of the old route, still tolls out the time three times a day.

Enjoyable historical walk routes have been established, with simple signs to guide you around the fascinating and historical area.