Toiyaba, or also called “Ekitei” or “Tenmasho,” were general offices established at the post stations along the main highway in the Edo period (1603-1868). Toiyaba were mainly engaged in the transport business including preparation of horses for daimyo and the government officilas, handover of the official percels and letters to the next post station and arrangement of hikyaku (couriers) to deliver those parcels and letters as well as the administrative business that helped manage the post town.

The proprietor of the office was called “Toiya,” to which Nanushi (the village head) was usually appointed. There were also the posts of Toshiyori (an assistant to Toiya), Chozuke (clerks), Mukaeyaku (receptionists who greeted the daimyo’s processions at the entrance of the post town) and Umasashi (those who were in charge of logistical arrangements). The staff usually took turns at duty but when a daimyo’s procession arrived, all the staff showed up at the office.