In Edo period, the wharf of Tonomi-ura (Tonomi Bay) was spreading at about 18 meters to the southward from the Old Sanyodo. According to a historical record, many Tobi-funes (small and fast boats rowed by two boatmen) were going in or out Tonomi-ura frequently to carry letters, small articles and people to Osaka and played an active part as "the express couriers across the Seto Inland Sea". In those days, the boathouses with unique structure such as the boathouse of Masasuke Yamatoya were ranging along this street. It is said that people could enter into a house by going up Gangi (stone steps) directly from a boat. The Tobi-fune carried many loyalists (who pledged allegiance to the Emperor) even in bad weather without regard to danger and contributed greatly to the Meiji Restoration.