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
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Japan’s Shinkansen trains are getting a Super Mario makeover【Pics】
Is there demand for merch of our stylish reporter? Let’s find out with the Ikuna Acrylic Standee
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
Japanese communities giving their skylines a spring clean and saying goodbye to power lines
Major Japanese noodle chain is closing on Christmas Eve so workers can spend time with families
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
How to power up the coolest cheap souvenir from Nintendo’s official shop with a trip to Daiso
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
You can now buy a Japanese train station clock in Japan
Japanese police attempting to clamp down on “zombie cigarettes”
Tokyo’s Ueno Station has an unmanned noodle restaurant on its platform, and its no-joke good
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
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】
Leave a Reply