Stone Track for the Tokaido Highway Japan, Edo period, 18th-19th century Excavated from near Kujoyama, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto Gift of Kurozumi Ryushiro Kyoto National Museum During the Edo period (1616-1867), stone tracks (J., kuruma ishi, literally cart stones, also known as wa ishi, "wheel stones") were laid out in pairs and served as rails for ox- and horse-drawn carriages. In Kyoto, these stones with a concave cut were placed along major roads such as those leading to the Tokaido and Takeda Highways.