This video takes viewers to Honjo (本庄), a city on the border between Saitama and Gunma prefectures, renowned as the largest post town on the historic Nakasendo (中山道) route. Once a bustling hub during the Edo period, Honjo retains a rich architectural legacy, offering a rare chance to experience buildings and cityscapes from the Edo, Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods.

The video begins with a walk through Honjo-juku (本庄宿), the historical post town area, highlighting classic kura (蔵, storehouses) from the Edo era, brick warehouses from the Meiji era, and Taisho-Showa period western-style constructions. Special attention is given to iconic spots like the Old Honjo Commercial Bank’s brick warehouse and the former Honjo Police Station, each representing key architectural styles and cultural shifts through Japan’s modernization.

Along the way, the video explores the heritage-rich streets and stops by the Fukan Sacred Site (普寛霊場), notable for its stone enclosure adorned with the names of establishments from the famous Yoshiwara red-light district. The walk also features preserved brothel buildings (妓楼建築), reflecting an intriguing aspect of local social history.

Honjo’s unique blend of well-preserved architecture from four different eras provides a vivid, immersive look into Japan’s urban and cultural evolution. The town’s position on the Nakasendo makes it a hidden gem for travelers interested in history, walking tours, and off-the-beaten-path experiences in Saitama.