There is a bridge that spans the valley river made of stones that weigh a few tons each. These are the largest stones used in Matsumoto-toge Pass. Just where did they come from?

The hint lies in the remaining large stones that were quarried near the bridge. It was recently found that the cross-sections of these two stones coincide perfectly with the cross-sections of the two big blocks laid under the stone bridge.

If you look around at the surrounding mountains, you can see different rocks here and there that seem to have been cut to be used in the path. Just where were these stones carried from, and how were they transported when there was no machinery?

It is thought that the stones were rolled along on logs or pulled by a lever and pulley system. Many people traveling the road would probably have stopped at the bridge to rest and drink from the pristine waters.