Imperial Roads

The Imperial Roads [按営量 ほえいりょう] were the four main routes that connected the capital of Kanton in Kōryō with the outer provinces to the south and north during the medieval era. The most important route was the Asairyō or Asai Highway which linked Meihan to Kōryō. Koman or rest-stop towns were set up along the routes for travelers to sleep, eat and stock up on provisions. Although not officially exclusive, the Imperial Roads were most commonly travelled by the upperclasses; the peasantry tended to use other routes.
== History ==
The Imperial Roads were the first to be commissioned and constructed by the Sadama administration. Their routes had existed in a more basic form for a few hundred years previously. Many towns which lay alongside the roads were forcibly converted into koman by the government, with new inns and hostels springing up everywhere. The government also required that these establishments give preferential treatment to those on official business or be forced to cease activity. Checkpoints (zenda) were also set up along the Imperial Roads to monitor the passage of goods and the movement of people. 
The government also made general improvements to the Imperial Roads, and for many years ensured that frequent repairs were done. The roads were flattened and widened, steeper sections being paved with rough stone. Trees were planted alongside the road, and drainage ditches were dug in many places. Markers were put up to indicate distance at five mile intervals. Although the Roads crossed many waterways, few bridges were built. Instead, ferry services were instituted.
== The four roads ==
* Hongiryō - connecting the city of Anzaki in Honzura to the capital.
* Asairyō - connecting the old capital of Meihan to the existing capital.
* Kanshōryō - connecting Sakai Province to the capital, and joining with the Sankairyō and Mieryō.
* Nōgataryō - crossing the mountains to connect the Kanshōryō to Meihan.
The latter three were collectively known as the Southern Circuit (kimairyō).