Koman

Koman [児満; こまん] were rest-stops and post stations located throughout Kanton, built during the 14th century and being widely used until the 1800s. They were generally located along or nearby important highways which spanned across prefectures. Koman, literally translated as 'towns of rest', were settlements where travellers could rest on their journey in safe, secure lodgings. They were created as a result of the period of increased and more widespread traveling that began during the 1400s.
== History ==
The first koman post towns were established by the Shisei kunjō in the mid-1400s. The earliest stations were developed along the Daiōren, the main highway through Kanton which had finished its construction in 1432. Not all of the nation's major koman were completed or ready for use at the same time; in fact, there were still communities being set up by the time the Kuzukumo kunjō had come to power in 1477.
The lodgings provided in post towns were originally established for use by public officials and noblemen, and when there were not enough lodgings available, the homes and hostels of nearby towns were put into use. Since all other venues and businesses were intended for general use, they easily built a profit and flourished throughout the following years. However, most of the reserved lodgings for upper-class travelers eventually went bankrupt by the 17th century, and hotels and inns for public use which sprung up later proved more successful.
As the Daisei period arrived and brought along the spread of rail transport, the number of travelers visiting the koman greatly declined, and so their popularity and success declined. They became largely obsolete by the 1930s, although some have been preserved as historical sites by the government.
== Facilities and services ==
* Daimanjō [大満会]: general offices which helped to manage to the koman.
* Komeshi [児餌]: facilities for use by both the general public and the upper-classes, providing accommodation and food.
* Koto [児戸]: hostels and inns which provided accommodation, but did not serve meals. They were cheaper versions of the komeshi intended for use by poorer travelers.
* Chato [查戸]: restaurants and cafes which sold tea, food and alcohol to travelers.
* Kokyō [児孮]: general shops selling wares.
* Tsuban [突図]: signboards which informed passersby of recent news and events, particularly that which might affect road travel.