Lovers of Japanese art and history will be familiar with the world-famous set of ukiyo-e woodblock prints known as “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.” Created in the 1800s by famed artist Utagawa Hiroshige, the collection is a series of landscape paintings from each of the post stations on the ancient coastal walking route from Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto and is frequently praised for the way it captures the spirit and essence of old Japan.
While the masterful works have garnered fans around the world, when it comes to sharing the images online, things haven’t been so easy. Now, limitations have been lifted and the beautiful series is free to share without copyright restrictions. What better way to celebrate the good news than to share some of the best with you, our dear readers?
The following five selections are listed as the top sellers from Tokkaido Gojusanji.com, one of the premier online print shops specialising in Hiroshige prints.
Starting Point – Nihonbashi
The first print in the series is of Nihonbashi in Tokyo. The people and movement in this scene captures the hustle and bustle of ancient Edo, making this a favourite amongst many.
Highway Stop #10 – Hakone
Another popular print is the below depiction of Hakone in present-day Kanagawa Prefecture. Featuring dangerously steep mountains, this point of the journey was known as one of the toughest on the long road to Kyoto.
Highway Stop #15 – Kanbara-juku
Moving along the highway, we have this famous scene, beloved by many for its romantic, snowy landscape. This is Kanbara-juku, located in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Highway Stop #16 – Yui
One of the few to feature a view of Mount Fuji is Yui, an area still famous for mandarin oranges and tiny pink-coloured shrimp known as sakura-ebi.
Highway Stop #45 – Shōno-juku
Rounding off the list of five firm favourites is this rain-filled scene in Shōno-juku, located in modern-day Mie Prefecture.
Filled with atmosphere, these prints are a beautiful and important insight into an intriguing period of Japanese history. Be sure to check out the entire collection here and share your favourites online with your friends and followers!
Sources: http://www.21j.jp/fu53/ Tokkaido Gojusanji.comImages: http://www.21j.jp/fu53/
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
New York Public Library releases digital images of valuable ukiyo-e and photographs of old Japan
Own the lighter side of ukiyo-e with a zodiac chimera and weird tiger-stone items by Felissimo
Pokémon becomes fine art with series of two hand-crafted Pikachu woodblock prints fans can buy
Uniqlo brings cultural cuteness to Edo animals T-shirt line with Japanese history’s greatest artists
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
KFC Japan’s “The American Burgers” include a pile of guilt
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Japanese government to allow desecration of flags on kids’ meals
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Used chopsticks upgraded from “waste” to “valuable material” by Kawasaki City thanks to ChopValue
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japanese fine art and pill bugs finally become one in BugArts Ukiyo-e series
Uniqlo celebrates sumo with new line of historical sumo art T-shirts【Photos】