Shimada-juku

nihongo|Shimada-juku|島田宿|Shimada-juku was the twenty-third of the fifty-three stations of the Tōkaidō. It is located in Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

History

Shimada-juku was located on the left bank (Edo side) of the Ōi River, just across from its neighboring post town, Kanaya-juku. However, whenever the river flooded due to strong or long rains, it made passing nearly impossible. However, during long rains, visitors stayed in the post town longer, increasing the amount of money they spent.

A common saying about Shimada-juku was "You can travel the 4 "ri" to Hakone, but to cross it, you must cross the uncrossable Ōi River" (箱根八里は馬でも越すが　越すに越されぬ大井川 "Hakone hachiri wa uma demo kosu ga / kosu ni kosarenu Ōigawa"). [http://asobiba.jp/asobiba/contents/asobiba075_shimadajyuku.htm Shimada-juku] . Asobiba. Accessed November 29, 2007.]

Neighboring post towns

;Tōkaidō:Fujieda-juku - Shimada-juku - Kanaya-juku

References