otai-shuku originated between 473 and 492 ad and developed into a post town over one thousand years later, during the keichō era. 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. 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.