The path here sharply curves, but why is that? One of the reasons is to stop the flow of fire and keep it from spreading. There are a few other theories, but another reason may tie to the newest area of the town: Shimoncho.

Before becoming a post town, Kumagawa was a small village of around 40 households. It’s only natural that they needed to expand after becoming a post town, when this number rose to 200. As the town continued to grow, Shimoncho was born. To this day, there is still a bus stop in the area that says Shimon-shin-cho, a play on the name which adds in the word “shin” or “new.”

Shimoncho housed many inns for those traveling on pilgrimage routes. Kumagawa was a post town on the Mackerel Road for traveling merchants, but it was also a stop on a major pilgrimage route as well. Those traveling to sell fish would return home after their travels, but those going on a pilgrimage would stay at the inns. During the peace of the Edo period, the number of pilgrims continually increased, with a record 1,000 lodgers in three days in the village at one point. At times like this, the roads were so crowded one could scarcely cross the street.

Finally, let’s take a moment to gaze out at the Shimoncho road that spreads out in front of us. This area has a different kind of beauty compared to the curving roads of Nakancho and Kamincho.