After the opening of the port of Yokohama in 1859, raw silk for export was collected in Hachioji and transported to Yokohama via this road.
This is why the road was called the “Road to Yokohama. When Westerners visited Hachioji to inspect the sericulture and silk industries, they also took the Hamakaido Road and enjoyed climbing Mt.Takao.
The road was later called the “Silk Road” because of its well-preserved scenery of that time.
Silk Road is designated as a historic site by Hachioji City, and is also selected as one of the 100 best historical roads by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.