The is a historical road in the southern part of Okinawa Island, Japan. During the Gusuku period (14th to 17th century), it served as the major route for travel between Shuri Castle, the royal court of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and the "gusuku" (castles) of Nakagusuku and Katsuren.
History.
The road is believed to have been created in the early part of the 14th century. is Okinawan for "cliff", referring to the route's proximity to the seashore. From the 15th century, the road became part of the post road, paralleling the Tōkaidō road in mainland Japan.
The "gusuku" castles along the road were often contested, and during the Gosamaru-Amawari Rebellion of 1458, when the "aji" of Shuri, Nakagusuku and Katsuren fought for control, armies traveled along it. Shō Taikyū's eventual victory over both Gosamaru and Amawari led to the destruction of Katsuren Castle and gave the Ryukyu Kingdom firm control of the entire road.
In 1671, the Tōkaidō was realigned to serve the newly founded "majiri" (district) of Ginowan and the original Hanta Road was reduced to a local road.
In 1853, the first Perry Expedition landed in Okinawa and crossed along the Hanta Road, planting an American flag atop a large rock now known as .
Current status.
About 330 meters of the original road remain near . Excavations have uncovered stone paving from the 15th century and early modern times. The early modern road is 1.8 to 2.4 meters wide, with irregular smaller stones laid on the road surface and larger stones used for the curb.
The "gusuku" of Shuri, Nakagusuku and Katsuren form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu. A 6.2km portion of the route near Nakagusuku has been paved and opened to the public as the walking trail. In 2015, the area was designated a Historic Site of Japan.