Transport in old Japan

matahachi · Post by **matahachi** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 3:24 -0700

I vaguely remember reading somewhere that wheeled transport wasn't allowed, apart from goods, during the Tokugawa period. Does anyone here know if there is any truth to this? And what was the reason if so?

Thanks in advance, Mata

Stan Sakai · Post by **Stan Sakai** » Sat Mar 05, 2011 7:54 -0700

Wheels were not very widely used. I have heard that it was to preserve the integrity of the roads. Wheels really do a number on dirt roads, especially in the rainy seasons. Also, Japan is a very mountainous country, which might also account for its limited use.

matahachi · Post by **matahachi** » Sun Mar 06, 2011 16:00 -0700

Thank you so much for taking the time for reply.

I understand about the dirt roads, but many other countries still used wheeled transport even so, so I suspect you were closer to the mark when you mentioned how mountainous Japan is. I hadn't actually realised how mountainous a country it is until you mentioned it and I read up on it.

Thanks again