Kasumigaseki is a name that goes back beyond Edo times, it originally referring to a "seki" (a customs and security barrier) that was established on the Ōshu Road (leading to northern Japan). In contemporary times, the location of "Kasumigaseki" (literally "the Kasumi barrier") is bordered on one side by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and on the other by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. However, when the "Guide to Famous Spots of Edo" was published, this barrier was bordered by the Edo mansions of the Kuroda, Lords of the Fukuoka Domain; and the Asano, Lords of the Hiroshima Domain.