Gokaido: The Japanese Ancient Road

The Go-KaidoJapans Great Highway SystemErin BrownProfessor LiHist23023 May 2022Without the Go-Kaido the ourishing economic growth, cultural renaissance, and political centralization that took place since the highway systems establishment would not have been as expansive as history reveals. The Go-Kaidos historical relevance is described as the veins of the country and the key to unlocking Japans expansive growth and unique culture (Vaporis, 1986). The Go-Kaido highway system played an integral role in facilitating Japans goals through out the Tokugawa and Meiji Eras. It contributed largely to the inner-workings of the Japanese government. The activities that took place on the roads had expanded Bafuku governmental reach and control that evolved over the centuries and manifested themselves into Daimyo precessions, restrictions and upkeep for the Go-Kaido, and ever lasting traditional practices. The Go-Kaido was responsible for Japans ourishing economy during the time of Sakoku, which also, in turn, had developed the dependent need for the Go-Kaido. Along this system of roads the merchant and middle class developed. The highway system helped the development and growth of Japan and its structural advancement through out history through the establishment of necessary post towns, railways, as well as certain social dynamics and expectations exampled in Japanese