Osaka Pass

An ancient checkpoint located on Mount Osaka, south of Otsu in Omi Province (Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture). Before September 810 (Kōnin 1), it replaced Arachi no Seki and was one of the Three Ancient Checkpoints along with Suzuka and Fuwa. It was a strategic point where the Tokai and Tozan roads joined and entered Kyoto, and it had a strong military character for the defense of Kyoto. The origin of the checkpoint is unclear, but it is thought to have been established by the Taika Reforms Imperial Edict. In 709 (Wadō 2), when Fujiwara Fusasaki was inspecting the checkpoints (checkpoints, fortresses) of the Tokai and Tozan roads, Omi no Kami was praised, which shows that it had already been established at that time. It was temporarily abolished in 795 (Enryaku 14), but soldiers were sent to defend it when necessary. In 857 (Ten'an 1), the barrier was established again and was guarded by the provincial governor, Kondei. Since then, the barrier was guarded by Kogenshi during Daijo-e, enthronement ceremonies, and other emergencies.

[Hiroshi Tanaami]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

近江(おうみ)国大津（滋賀県大津市）の南方、逢坂山にあった古代の関所。810年（弘仁1）9月以前、愛発関(あらちのせき)にかわって、鈴鹿(すずか)関、不破(ふわ)関とともに三故関(さんこかん)の一つ。東海、東山両道が合して京都に入る要衝にあたり、京都防備の軍事的性格が強い。関の起源はつまびらかではないが、大化改新の詔(みことのり)によって設けられたものと思われる。709年（和銅2）藤原房前(ふささき)が東海、東山2道の関剗(かんさん)（関所、とりで）検察のおり、近江守(おうみのかみ)が賞揚されていることからみて、このときすでに設置されていたことがわかる。795年（延暦14）一時廃されたが、事あるときは兵を出して守らせた。857年（天安1）ふたたび関を設け、国司、健児(こんでい)が守った。以来、大嘗会(だいじょうえ)、即位式や有事の際は固関使(こげんし)が関を固めた。

［田名網宏］

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