Shimizu-zaka slope is the first difficult pass on the Nakasendō Highway. It was, however, the only place in the highway from which a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji could be seen. There was an intersecting station under the slope that connected two stations of Itabashi and Warabi. This intersection was used for resting or even as an alternative station when small river boats from Toda could not be used due to the swelling of the river.