Site of the Masugata

At this point on the old Nakasendo highway, the road makes a deliberate 90-degree turn. This feature, called a masugata or 'box shape' after the square wooden rice measure, was a standard defensive design built into all the Nakasendo's post towns. The sharp turn stripped an approaching enemy of momentum, exposing them to fire from surrounding buildings. Even after consolidating power in 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu remained wary of defeated western lords and designed these post towns as potential defensive positions. The same feature also helped keep lawless elements in check. Walking the turn today, the strategy becomes immediately legible in the layout of the street.