Location: Shirakaba Lake 白樺湖, Nagano Prefecture Size: 8 x 10 x 2cm
Shirakaba Lake (白樺湖), a picturesque resort area nestled in the Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by serene mountains and iconic white birch trees. It issued under the protection of the Shinano Kokushugo-dai (信濃国守護代) an old feudal title meaning "Deputy Governor of Shinano Province." The inscriptions state that possession of this tag grants safe passage around the Shirakaba region, reflecting the historical practice of using such plaques during the Edo period for mountain routes.
It has a cross knot with it, the symmetrical structure of the cross knot symbolizes harmony and balance also meanings of "connection" and "protection." The cross knot, as a decorative knot, may represent tightly tying together good wishes and prayers.
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.
