Mariko-juku, Post station along Tōkaidō route in Suruga-ku, Japan.
Mariko-juku was the twentieth station along the Tōkaidō route and features traditional buildings with thatched roofs and architectural elements from the Edo period. The site preserves the original appearance of a rest stop with structures that have survived to the present day.
The station was established in the late 16th century and served as a crucial rest stop for travelers moving between Tokyo and Kyoto during Japan's period of isolation. It allowed merchants and other wayfarers to rest and refuel before continuing their journeys.
The Chojiya restaurant has operated continuously for centuries, serving tororo-jiru, a local dish of grated mountain yam that defines the regional food culture. Travelers and residents alike gather here to taste the same dish their predecessors enjoyed.
The site is best reached by bus from JR Shizuoka Station's North Exit to Marikobashi Iriguchi stop, followed by a short walk. The grounds are easily accessible and movement through the preserved buildings is straightforward.
This location appears in a renowned 1831 ukiyo-e print by Hiroshige showing travelers at the Chojiya restaurant, which continues operating at the same spot today. The artwork preserved the place as an iconic scene of Japanese travel culture.
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