The relation of streets and villages along the Wakasa Kaido Road of Kyoto reading from the positions of stone statues of Buddha

Abstract

This study focused on the positions of stone statues of Buddha to grasp the relation of streets and villages along the Wakasa Kaido Road, an old road connecting Kyoto and Wakasa. We conducted investigations in 5 villages (Takano, Kawabata, Kamitakano, Yase, Ōhara) along Wakasa Kaido Road, then analyzed them by QGIS(ver.3.4.8). 86 places of stone statues of Buddha were found. Among them, 39 places were along Wakasa Kaido Road at intervals of 1710m or less, including 32 places faced to Wakasa Kaido Road, 15 places that located on the turning point of the branch road, and 2 places that located on the boundary between villages. 32 places were found in the living areas of Late Meji era, including 13 places that located on the boundary of the living areas. 15 places were found away from both Wakasa Kaido Road and the living areas of Late Meji era, and 10 of them located in Kamitakano. These results showed a strong impact of Wakasa Kaido Road as well as a strong consciousness of living area’s boundary in the 5 villages. The meaning of the stone statues of Buddha’s positions is possible to contribute to the modern town planning and community development.