The is a historical road in the southern part of Okinawa Island, Japan. During the Gusuku period (14th to 17th century), it served as the major route for travel between Shuri Castle, Nakagusuku Castle, Kōchi Castle (幸地グスク) and Katsuren Castle.
The road is believed to have been created in the early part of the 14th century. is Okinawan for "cliff", referring to the route's proximity to the seashore.[1] From the 15th century, the road became part of the post road, paralleling the Tōkaidō road in mainland Japan.[1]
Control of the gusuku castles along the road was often contested, and during the Gosamaru-Amawari Rebellion armies on both sides traveled along it. Shō Taikyū's eventual victory gave the Ryukyu Kingdom firm control of the entire road.[2]
In 1671, the Tōkaidō was realigned to serve the newly founded majiri (district) of Ginowan and the original Hanta Michi was reduced to a local road.[1]
In 1853, the first Perry Expedition landed in Okinawa and crossed along the Hanta Michi, planting an American flag atop a large rock now known as .[3]
About 330 meters of the original road remain near . Excavations have uncovered stone paving from the 15th century and early modern times. The early modern road is 1.8 to 2.4 meters wide, with irregular smaller stones laid on the road surface and larger stones used for the curb.[1]
The gusuku of Shuri, Nakagusuku and Katsuren form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu. A 6.2km portion of the route near Nakagusuku has been paved and opened to the public as the walking trail.[3] In 2015, the area was designated a Historic Site of Japan.[3]