History

Tōkaidō: The Road between Two Capitals

500 kilometers. 53 stations. One road. Tōkaidō (東海道) means "Eastern Sea Road." It ran from Edo to Kyoto along the southern coast. On the way: 53 stations. Each had relay points, inns, tea houses, public baths. A traveler on foot needed about two weeks to cross it. …

Hiroshige's woodblock print of Goyu post town on the Tōkaidō road, with travelers along the inn-lined street at dusk

A letter from Japan, worth slowing down for.

Receive Sakurate
Browse more Tegami previews