Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 16
October 17, 2006 (Tue) - December 17, 2006 (Sun)
Many people traveled in the Edo period for various purposes; feudal lords did so because of their obligation of alternate-year residence in Edo, and commoners did to visit the Ise shrine, hot spring cure or simple sight-seeing. The highways all over Japan were improved by the Tokugawa government for administrative convenience, but they also served to circulate information and spread cultures.
The Maps of Tokaido Highway, which were produced by the Tokugawa government's Office of Travel, offer a detailed depiction of town buildings and other features along the major highway. Small and handy maps for travelers, on the other hand, served as travel guidebooks that included information on distance to destinations, inns, procedure at barriers, famous local products and souvenirs. Useful Tips for Travellers compiled by Yasumi Roan is a famous book of this kind and it provides various ideas to make a long trip more pleasant as well as points of caution. Records of travels that also served as travelers' guides often contained sketches and records of cultural heritage the author saw or heard about during the trip.
This display includes indispensable items for travelers such as a sundial and portable medicine cabinet as well as Shanks' Mare, a best-seller about the hilarious journey of two happy-go-lucky men along the Tokaido Highway. We hope that the visitors will enjoy viewing these objects to remind them of the pleasure of travel.
Major works in this exhibition