7. Shimomachi  8. Nakamachi  9. Asahicho  10. Kamimachi

Shimonita in the Edo Period

The Shimonita Road was widely used by commoners and merchants. In the town center of Shimonita, a market called the Kusai-ichi was held. It took place nine times each month on the 2nd, 5th, and 9th days, and was always bustling with people. Even today, versions of these markets remain, such as the Spring Market along the mountain, the Doll Festival Market (Hina-ichi), and the Year-End Grand Market.

The area was home to wholesalers dealing in high-quality hemp from western Jōshū, which they traded with Edo (Tokyo), Etchū (Toyama), and Gōshū (Shiga). There were also rice merchants dealing in rice from Saku, Shinshū (Nagano), and other merchants handling wheat, mixed grains, silk, paper, firewood, and daily necessities.

Kamimachi was located near the Kabura River, the central area was Nakamachi, and the most mountain-facing roadside area was Shimomachi. Okayokocho marked the border between Asahicho and Kamimachi.