Morning Mist, Mishima, from the series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido (Hoeido edition)

Nihonbashi is the starting point for the Five Highways. This picture captures the highway head-on from the bridge’s southern gate, just as a feudal procession is crossing the bridge, leaving Edo (Tokyo) and returning to their feudal home territory following a period of mandatory attendance in the capital. The notice board on the right is up on a stone wall, the perimeter surrounded by a wooden lattice fence, with a roof attached to the top. The Shogunate’s laws, policies and moral codes were inscribed on what was usually 7-8 notice boards put up here. Two dogs can be seen at the southern foot of the bridge; this is where criminals were put on public display. At the northern foot of the bridge was the liveliest fish market in all of Japan. Tubs of fresh fish caught right in Edo dangle from both ends of the poles as peddlers hurriedly carry them to their customers. Adorning the hand railing are ornamental caps which connote the bridge’s status.