Used in the Sengoku (Warring States) period (1467 to 1615) as a military road, it was a popular area for the exchange of goods between Echigo and Shinshu during the Edo period (1603 to 1867). THe route to the pass has changed several times over the years due to avalanches. The current road traveling through the Tomikura Tōge pass was first built in 1877. In the photo is a section of remaining stone wall from that time.