Otai-shuku originated between 473 and 492 AD and developed into a post town over one thousand years later, during the Keichō era.[1] Because Otai-shuku was small there were only five rest areas in the entire post town, daimyōs tended to stay at the neighboring Oiwake-shuku, which was much larger.[2] The Otai-shuku Festival was established to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the post town; this festival takes place on August 16 of each year.[3]