Location: Magome-juku 馬籠宿, Nakasendō Size: 7 x 11 x 0.8cm
RARE. This particular piece originates from Magome-juku (馬籠宿), one of the famous post towns on the Nakasendō (中山道)—a major inland route connecting Kyoto to Edo (modern-day Tokyo).
Each character on this tegata has been carefully hand-brushed and hand-stamped, offering a unique artisanal touch rarely seen in modern souvenirs. The bold calligraphy gives this piece a sense of gravitas and authenticity, making it not only a meaningful keepsake but also a collectible piece of folk history.
Magome-juku, nestled in the Kiso Valley, is renowned for its beautifully preserved Edo-period townscape, cobblestone paths, and views of Mount Ena. Travelers walking this section of the Nakasendō still feel echoes of the past—this tegata is a memento of that journey.
Tsuko-Tegata is a kind of wooden passport that was used in the Edo Period as an identity card for travelers when passing from region to region. They had been sold a lot in Showa period as mingei type souvenirs all over Japan. It's also a protector for safety and peace for family.
