Information Revolution

In the early modern period, river transport increased remarkably as a means of moving services and goods about the country. It probably overtook sea transport, although of course many of the rivers were conveying materials to the seaports. The increase in sea and river transport went hand in hand. Profits were great. Under Nobunaga and Hideyoshi’s centralisations, the political will to further trade increased.
Since Heian times the Yodo had been an important river, and its banks were lined with boathouses and stores where they passed through towns, especially through the eponymous town of Yodo. There were also the oil dealers of Oyamazaki who made vast profits by sending their goods along the river routes. The rivers Kitsu and Uji, Hatsu and Takase also connected with the Yodo, allowing for long-distance freightage.