Tokaido which means Eastern Sea Route, was one of the five highways during the Edo period. It was a designated route for feudal lords, which had to travel all the way to Edo (now Tokyo) every other year in order to attend the Shogun's court and to reaffirm their loyalty. Of course, the Emperor resided in the Imperial Capital Kyoto.

Tokaido was also an important trading route, thereby commanded the largest volume of traffic of both people and goods. It is therefore not suprising that there already existed travelling maps and guide books in those days to satisfy demands. These days, the old route has been overlaid with super modern railways and expressways.
       

       
It was reputed that Hiroshige made his first trip along the Tokaido in 1832, joining an official procession sent by the Shogunate to present steeds to the Emperor in Kyoto.

According to historical records and known facts, there are several versions of the Tokaido Gojusantsugi published in different editions. Our presentation will be based on Hoeido edition which is thought to be best. It is the belief that since this edition was completed at the end of 1833, the prints in this edition were based on the sketches he made during that first trip.

There were 53 stages or stations along the highway between Edo and Kyoto and each stage was illustrated with a painting. The first painting and the last referred to Edo and Kyoto respectively but they are not part of the stations along the highway. The list shown on the next page consists of  the names of the 53 stations in orderly sequence from Edo to Kyoto. Have a nice viewing!

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