From Kyu (former) Saijo Bridge to Bekku-saka slope

Bekku Slope

Bekku Slope

Following the Kyu Saijo Bridge, we continue to the Bekku slope. It is also known as Bikkuri (surprise) slope, because at that time it was a very steep slope to climb straight without stopping from the Kyu Saijo Bridge. Afterwards, it was replaced at the bottom of the northern ridge of the Eboshigata mountain, turning to the right a little and crossing the national route No.371.

Kyu Saijo Bridge

Kyu Saijo Bridge

In the geographical drawings named Shoho-kuni-ezu, that the Bakufu (or Shogunate) order to edit in the beginning of the Edo period, it was written “cross on foot” so that there was no bridge at that time. So, the bridge was built later. It is handed down that ships reached up to here. Also, this site was a transit place for the rickshas or jinrikisha (human-powered-vehicles).