Tsubaki no Honjin (Koriyama-shuku Honjin)

Overview

Tsubaki no Honjin is a former honjin located in Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture, on the old Saigoku Kaido (highway) in Koriyama-shuku. It's known as "Tsubaki no Honjin" (Camellia Inn) because of the famous camellia tree beside the official entrance gate. Designated as a National Historic Site, this historic building hosted notable figures such as Lord Asano Naganori (of Chushingura fame) and Emperor Meiji. Koriyama-shuku has been an important route since the Nara period, serving as a major thoroughfare connecting Kyoto and Nara to the west. During the Edo period, it was situated midway along the road between Kyoto and Nishinomiya, making it a crucial stopping point for daimyo (feudal lords) of the western provinces during their mandatory journeys to and from Edo (present-day Tokyo). The Tsubaki no Honjin is a valuable resource for understanding the lives and culture of people during that era. It's a must-see tourist spot for history buffs and anyone interested in Japanese history and culture. The honjin was a large establishment, always keeping 30 laborers and 36 horses ready. When this proved insufficient, they would gather more from nearby villages. The head of the honjin family was known as the Zenemon, and they were granted the privilege of wearing a sword by the Ichibashi family. Currently, part of the honjin is open to the public. While reservations are generally required for visits, there are two public open house events each year, during which visits are possible without prior reservation.