Fujikawashuku
Fujikawa-cho’s Evolution
Fujikawa-cho, in the southeast of Okazaki City, is situated in the base of a valley carved out of the mountains by the Yamatsuna River which flows from the hills of the Mikawa Plateau. Surrounded by lush greenery, it developed into a major transportation hub bustling with travelers.
Fujikawa Post Station, a Key Stop on the Tokaido
When Tokugawa Ieyasu gained control of the nation in 1601, he soon realized that a rapid flow of information was essential to governing the entire country, and so began development of a highway stretching some 495 kilometers between Nihonbashi in Edo (Tokyo) and Sanjo Ohashi in Kyoto. Along the route were 53 stopover points where travelers could rest and find lodging. These post stations also served as hubs for the relaying of official packages and communications. Fujikawa was the 37th post station, located about 310 kilometers from Edo.
Road Maintenance During the Edo Period
The Tokaido was the most important of the five major routes constructed during the Edo period, promoting exchanges of people, goods, information, and culture. The roads were well-appointed, with ichiri-zuka mileposts set up every 3.9 kilometers or so along the route, and rows of pine trees planted to protect travelers from the hot summer sun and cold winter winds. Joyatou street lamps were installed to light the way for travelers after dark. As with modern roads, these developments allowed people to move safely and comfortably along the route.
Japan’s Most Traveled Highway
In the mid Edo period (1603-1868) people from all walks of life began to use the highway, changing it from a route designed for military and government purposes to a road enjoyed by travelers. As travelogues and ukiyo-e woodblock prints began to be published, the highway became more familiar, encouraging everyday people to travel the roads for pleasure. The ukiyo-e prints and haiku poems from the era reveal the vibrant townscapes and bustling energy of the Fujikawa post station.
Okazaki Castle Outer Moat Enclosure >
Fujikawashuku
Fujikawa-cho’s Evolution
Fujikawa-cho, in the southeast of Okazaki City, is situated in the base of a valley carved out of the mountains by the Yamatsuna River which flows from the hills of the Mikawa Plateau. Surrounded by lush greenery, it developed into a major transportation hub bustling with travelers.
Fujikawa Post Station, a Key Stop on the Tokaido
When Tokugawa Ieyasu gained control of the nation in 1601, he soon realized that a rapid flow of information was essential to governing the entire country, and so began development of a highway stretching some 495 kilometers between Nihonbashi in Edo (Tokyo) and Sanjo Ohashi in Kyoto. Along the route were 53 stopover points where travelers could rest and find lodging. These post stations also served as hubs for the relaying of official packages and communications. Fujikawa was the 37th post station, located about 310 kilometers from Edo.
Road Maintenance During the Edo Period
The Tokaido was the most important of the five major routes constructed during the Edo period, promoting exchanges of people, goods, information, and culture. The roads were well-appointed, with ichiri-zuka mileposts set up every 3.9 kilometers or so along the route, and rows of pine trees planted to protect travelers from the hot summer sun and cold winter winds. Joyatou street lamps were installed to light the way for travelers after dark. As with modern roads, these developments allowed people to move safely and comfortably along the route.
Japan’s Most Traveled Highway
In the mid Edo period (1603-1868) people from all walks of life began to use the highway, changing it from a route designed for military and government purposes to a road enjoyed by travelers. As travelogues and ukiyo-e woodblock prints began to be published, the highway became more familiar, encouraging everyday people to travel the roads for pleasure. The ukiyo-e prints and haiku poems from the era reveal the vibrant townscapes and bustling energy of the Fujikawa post station.