Old Post Station Towns on Inaba Kaido Rute #2 Hirafuku-shuku Sayo-cho, Hyogo

Hirafuku-shuku is the first location I visited after lunch in Sayo. This area is very close to Chugoku Mountains but it is rarely snowy in winter, so I was droving in carefree.

Unlike other post station towns, it is clearly different outlooking from the highway, so tourists never miss to catch it.
There were tons of post station towns all over Japan once, but the most have no trace of the old days. only stone monuments barely remain. Regarding Hirafuku-shuku, it is good condition.

HIrafuku is small village, but there are many feature to see. These are stonehouses with super-thick mud wall which called "dozo", samurai dramas are often taken at this riverside.

That dozo is used as soba noodle restaurant. The locals eager to preserve old street view. Modern houses are very rare there. 

Another feature is this ruin of the castle. It is located on the top of the mountain. It is high place and close to the town, so very conspicuous when people visit Hirafuku. It is no tresspassing to preserve and repair. 

There are many other feature in this small village, unfortunately I didin't prepare and have enough time, so I'll visit there agin soon.