Tour of the Tōkaidō

This print, titled “Tōkaidō no shokei,” is part of a polyptych, depicting stations 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37.

The road known as Tōkaidō (東海道—literally “Eastern Sea Road”) stretched for 427 kilometers, divided into 53 (shikuba) way stations or rest stops (not counting the two terminal stations). These stations were established by the government and included stables for horses, inns for travelers, and supply shops. The number 53 was not chosen randomly; like everything in Japan, it had significance: Sudhara, a disciple of Buddha, had visited 53 Buddhist saints to learn from them on his path to enlightenment.