“The Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō” – A Journey Through Hiroshige and Eisen’s Eyes
Leaving the bustling city of Edo, crossing mountains, and following winding rivers—this was the journey of countless travelers along the Kisokaidō. Capturing their footsteps in breathtaking detail is the ukiyo-e series The Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō (木曾街道六十九次, Kisokaidō Rokujūkyū-tsugi).
This series, created by Utagawa Hiroshige and Keisai Eisen, brings to life the landscapes of post towns and the people who passed through them. It consists of 70 prints (+1 title page), depicting 69 post stations, along with Nihonbashi—the starting point in Edo—and two different versions of Nakatsugawa-juku.
The Kisokaidō – A Road Through the Mountains
The name Kisokaidō may not sound familiar, but it is another name for the Nakasendō (Central Mountain Route).
During the Edo period, two major highways connected Edo (present-day Tokyo) to Kyoto:
- The Tōkaidō, which followed the coastline.
- The Nakasendō (Kisokaidō), which cut through the mountains of central Honshū.
Unlike the Tōkaidō, the Nakasendō led travelers through steep mountain passes, deep valleys, and rugged terrain.
Mist-covered peaks, vibrant autumn foliage, snow-covered villages—each print in this series makes you feel as if you are walking alongside the travelers of Edo, experiencing the journey firsthand.
Hiroshige & Eisen – Two Masters, Two Perspectives
This series is often seen as a sequel to Hiroshige’s famous “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō.”
- Keisai Eisen created 23 of the prints.
- Hiroshige completed the rest of the series.
Although both artists depicted the same road, their styles are distinct.
Eisen captures the elegance and drama of travelers and towns, while Hiroshige focuses on serene, atmospheric landscapes.
Together, their contrasting visions create a series that feels like two different narratives woven into one.
Changing Publishers & The Market for Ukiyo-e
One of the fascinating aspects of this series is the change in publishers during its production.
- The first half was published by Takenouchi Magohachi (Hoeidō).
- Midway through, the series was taken over by Iseya Rihei (Kinjudō).
- Later editions were reprinted under Kinjudō.
Such transitions provide valuable insight into the ukiyo-e market of the Edo period and the business strategies of print publishers.
Beyond the artwork itself, this series reveals the dynamics of the Edo publishing world, adding another layer of intrigue to its legacy.
A Timeless Journey
The Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaidō is more than just a collection of scenic prints.
It captures the spirit of travel in Edo Japan—the wind, the changing seasons, the excitement, and the hardships of the road.
What lies ahead on this journey? What kind of scenery awaits at the next post town?
As you explore this series, you can’t help but feel the same sense of adventure and wonder that Edo-era travelers must have felt.
Even today, this masterpiece continues to captivate viewers.
Take a moment to step into the world of Hiroshige and Eisen, and experience the beauty and stories hidden within these prints.
▼Click on the image to view details about the artwork.
