Fujikawashuku
The Origins of Fujikawa’s Name
Fujikawa was once known as Ujikawa, but the name is said to have changed in honor of the gorgeous wisteria blossoms, known as fuji in Japanese, that bloomed across the town.
The townscape has changed over the years, but many place names reflect the topography, history, or other characteristics of the area, providing an insight into the local history and culture.
Japan’s Most Traveled Highway
The Tokaido was Japan’s most important highway route during the Edo period (1600–1868), as goods, information and culture were exchanged at the bustling post stations along it. The remaining journals and ukiyo-e prints left by travelers and visitors reveal the vibrant townscapes and the lives of the people.
Although Japan was in a self-imposed isolation during the Edo period, there were a few foreigners who visited Japan and left diaries of their own. German naturalist, physician and explorer Engelbert Kampfer (1651–1716), described the Tokaido as being: “Rows of pine trees lining either side of a narrow road, creating shade to the delight of travelers. It is built so that rainwater drains away easily, flowing into the low-lying farmlands.”
Shrines and Temples Echo the History and Culture
The Fujikawa post station developed steadily since its founding in 1601. Later, during the Meiji Period (1868-1912) national highways and railways were built through it, and a flourishing spinning and textiles industry led to the development of residential areas and schools. As the town continued to evolve and grow, echoes of each era remained, with shrines and temples undergoing the least changes as the years went by. Though primarily places of worship, they were also the centers of community activity—hosting festivals and serving as children’s play areas to this day and preserving much of the local history and culture.
The Pine-Lined Streets of Fujikawa
The Tokaido was lined with pine, Japanese cedar, cherry, and other trees. The practice of planting trees along the route started in 1604, with the purpose of providing relief from the summer sun and windbreaks from the harsh winter winds allowing people to travel safely and comfortably along it. Rows of pine trees still remain about 1 km from the western edge of Fujikawa-cho and have been carefully preserved by local residents.
Okazaki Castle Outer Moat Enclosure >
Fujikawashuku
The Origins of Fujikawa’s Name
Fujikawa was once known as Ujikawa, but the name is said to have changed in honor of the gorgeous wisteria blossoms, known as fuji in Japanese, that bloomed across the town.
The townscape has changed over the years, but many place names reflect the topography, history, or other characteristics of the area, providing an insight into the local history and culture.
Japan’s Most Traveled Highway
The Tokaido was Japan’s most important highway route during the Edo period (1600–1868), as goods, information and culture were exchanged at the bustling post stations along it. The remaining journals and ukiyo-e prints left by travelers and visitors reveal the vibrant townscapes and the lives of the people.
Although Japan was in a self-imposed isolation during the Edo period, there were a few foreigners who visited Japan and left diaries of their own. German naturalist, physician and explorer Engelbert Kampfer (1651–1716), described the Tokaido as being: “Rows of pine trees lining either side of a narrow road, creating shade to the delight of travelers. It is built so that rainwater drains away easily, flowing into the low-lying farmlands.”
Shrines and Temples Echo the History and Culture
The Fujikawa post station developed steadily since its founding in 1601. Later, during the Meiji Period (1868-1912) national highways and railways were built through it, and a flourishing spinning and textiles industry led to the development of residential areas and schools. As the town continued to evolve and grow, echoes of each era remained, with shrines and temples undergoing the least changes as the years went by. Though primarily places of worship, they were also the centers of community activity—hosting festivals and serving as children’s play areas to this day and preserving much of the local history and culture.
The Pine-Lined Streets of Fujikawa
The Tokaido was lined with pine, Japanese cedar, cherry, and other trees. The practice of planting trees along the route started in 1604, with the purpose of providing relief from the summer sun and windbreaks from the harsh winter winds allowing people to travel safely and comfortably along it. Rows of pine trees still remain about 1 km from the western edge of Fujikawa-cho and have been carefully preserved by local residents.