Fifty-three stations of the Tōkaidō, station 32

This woodblock print depicts Arai Station on the Hoeido Tōkaidō, which was the first series on the Tōkaidō produced by Hiroshige between 1831 and 1834, after traveling along the Tōkaidō as part of an official mission from the shogun to deliver a gift of horses to the Emperor.

The landscapes of the journey made a profound impression on the artist, who produced numerous sketches during the trip. Upon his return home, he immediately began work on the first woodblock prints of the 53 stations of the Tōkaidō. The publication of the series catapulted him to fame, making him the most sought-after artist, whereas until then he had been relatively unknown.