Between the Meiji era and the early Showa era, there was a road called Bichu Totomichi that is said to have carried fish over a distance of about 60 km from Kanoura in Kasaoka City to Nariwa in Takahashi City.
I remember being deeply moved by the distance and scenery when I walked it alone a few years ago. This time, I participated in the event with excitement, as I could hear detailed stories from local people in the Mikawa area of Yakage Town.
What is the Historical Exploration Walking "Let's Walk the Totomichi"?
The Historical Exploration Walking "Let's Walk the Totomichi" was held on March 7, 2026 (Saturday), organized by the Mikawa Community Center Exploration Club and the Yamabiko Class.
Participation is free.
In addition to local residents, members of the Bichu Totomichi Trail Promotion Council also accompanied as guides, providing a valuable opportunity to hear more specialized explanations.
This course is about 6 km from Unai in Yakage Town to Keno in Bisei Town, and it is an event where participants can actually walk the road where "toto (fish)" were once transported, experiencing its history and lifestyle.
Walking in the Satoyama Feeling the Arrival of Spring
On the day of the event, a total of 27 participants, including one elementary school student, gathered at the community center in the Unai area at 9 AM, starting with self-introductions.
Many participants were locals, and they seemed as reliable as guides. They appeared accustomed to the slopes and mountain paths, creating a sense of security.
As we began walking, we were greeted by expansive rice fields and farms.
Pink hotokenoza flowers bloomed along the paths, signaling the arrival of spring. Amidst the peaceful scenery, we enjoyed a leisurely time, reflecting on the lives of people from the past.
Experience the Weight of Fish Carried with a Balancing Pole
What caught my eye at the meeting place was the balancing pole.
A wooden pole about 2 meters long had baskets attached to both ends, filled with a large number of plastic bottles instead of fish, weighing about 45 kg in total.
The "fish porters" (uonakase) are said to have carried this for about 10 km. Several participants tried it, but even just carrying it was a challenge. Walking with it was out of the question.
I was simply amazed by the strength and resilience of people over 100 years ago.
A New Route from the Unai Area to the Keno Area
A major highlight of this event was being able to walk the newly confirmed route in March 2026. Around the old prefectural road that branches off from the Kasaoka-Bisei line to the north, previously unknown paths were revealed.
In contrast to the conventional ridge route, the new route progresses through the valley.
The newly maintained path was muddy underfoot, and branches obstructed the way, creating a true sense of adventure.
Even in places reclaimed by the forest, remnants like pond sites indicated that people once lived there.
Cow Memorial Stone and Yotsudo
Along the Totomichi, there are memorial stones for cows and buildings called Yotsudo.
The gratitude towards cows, which were essential for farming and transportation, is conveyed through many memorial stones.
Yotsudo is an open structure supported by four pillars, used by local people as a place to rest and interact.
For the fish porters, it was also an important resting place, akin to a modern marathon aid station. I can easily imagine them unloading their heavy loads and taking a breather.
Conclusion
This "Let's Walk the Totomichi" event provided a fulfilling time to deeply understand the history and lifestyle of the region, thanks to the careful guidance of local people and the Bichu Totomichi Trail Promotion Council.
By actually walking the path, I realized that our convenient modern life is not something to be taken for granted, but is built upon the efforts of many people over time. I hope many people will experience this "Bichu Totomichi."
Additionally, the guidebook for the "Bichu Totomichi Trail" is available for purchase at the Yakage Town House Exchange Center and the Takahashi City Nariwa Complex Taikomaru Plaza, as well as from the council.
Data on the Historical Exploration Walking "Let's Walk the Totomichi"
| Name | Historical Exploration Walking "Let's Walk the Totomichi" |
|---|---|
| Date | March 7, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Location | 2926 Shimo-Takasue, Yakage Town, Okayama Prefecture (Mikawa Community Center) |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Homepage | Mikawa Community Center Homepage |
