This location was once home to Matsumoto Castle's main gate, the Otemon Gate. The area towards the castle from the Otemon Gate was designated for samurai, while the south side was for townspeople, marked by a boundary with a checkpoint to prevent easy entry. Only certain permitted people, like authorized merchants, could pass through the Otemon Gate into the samurai area. It was not until the Meiji period that townspeople were allowed to pass through the gate.

In front of the gate was a Masugata square, a defensive structure designed to prevent enemies from directly approaching. In addition to the Masugata at the Otemon Gate, the surrounding area was fortified by a complete moat, boasting an impregnable defense.

The Zenkoji Highway stretched straight towards the Otemon Gate from the south, turning east at Metoba River and then extending north along the east side of the castle. The southeast part of the Otemon Gate near Metoba River was known as Nawate, named after its long embankment resembling a rope (Nawa). Let's head to Nawate Street next.