Shukuba

[1] They were created based on policies for the transportation of goods by horseback that were developed during the Nara and Heian periods.

In 1601, the first of the Tōkaidō's fifty-three stations were developed, stretching from Shinagawa-juku in Edo to Ōtsu-juku in Ōmi Province.

It was hard to receive a profit as the proprietor of these places, but the shōgun provided help in the form of various permits, rice collection and simple money lending, making it possible for the establishments to stay open.

The hatago, retail stores, tea houses, etc., which were designed for general travelers, were able to build a profit.

Ai no shuku were intermediate post stations; though they were unofficial resting spots, they had many of the same facilities.