📖 The Traveling Tales of the Tōkaidō

🎨 Guide Gallery

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📝 Introduction

The Edo period is regarded as a travel guidebook and gained immense popularity as a comedic novel.

📖 Details

"The Travels on the Tōkaidō" is a representative work of the late Edo period novelist Jippensha Ikku. Published between 1802 and 1809, it is known as the most popular comedic novel of the Edo period. The story humorously depicts the journey of the main characters Yajirobō and Kitahachi, who travel from Edo (now Tokyo) to Ise Jingu in Mie Prefecture along the "Tōkaidō." The book provides detailed descriptions of the post towns, local specialties, regional cuisine, and customs encountered along the way, making it beloved by people of the Edo period as a travel guide. Written in the colloquial language of the time, it vividly captures the interactions and exchanges among people in the Edo period, which is another charm of the book. Not only has it been published in modern literary translations, but it has also inspired numerous kabuki performances, films, and television dramas, making it an enduring classic that has survived from the Edo period to the present day.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: The author of "Tōkaidōchū Hizakurige," Jippensha Ikku, was a notable figure in Japanese literature during the Edo period. He was known for his humorous and satirical writing style, often reflecting the social issues and everyday life of his time. Ikku's works often featured a blend of adventure and comedy, making them popular among a wide audience. His unique perspective and storytelling ability contributed significantly to the development of the travel literature genre in Japan.

A: Born in Suruga Province (now Shizuoka City), he was Japan's first professional writer. During the Edo period, there was no system for paying authors royalties, so novelists could not survive solely on writing. In such an era, with the tremendous success of "Tōkaidōchū Hizakurige," Jippensha Ikku became the first novelist to make a living from writing. Not only were his works characterized by a humorous style, but the author himself also left behind many amusing anecdotes.

Q: The reason for the high popularity of "Tōkaidōchū Hizakurige" is?

A: Not only is the story itself entertaining, but it also provides detailed descriptions of tourist attractions, local specialties, and regional cuisine, which contributes to its charm as a travel guide and is one of the reasons for its popularity. After the end of the Warring States period, the Edo period maintained a long-lasting peace, leading to an increase in literacy rates. With more leisure time, reading became a form of entertainment, which is also an important background for the book's success.

Q: In "東海道中膝栗毛" (Tōkaidōchū Hizakurige), the term "膝栗毛" (Hizakurige) refers to a type of horse that is small and agile, often associated with travel and journeying. The title can be translated as "The Shank's Mare on the Tōkaidō," where "膝栗毛" symbolizes the journey undertaken by the characters in the story.

A: "Kizuri" means walking travel. "Kuri" refers to a chestnut-colored horse, and comparing one's knees to a horse is why it is called "Kizuri."

Q: Are there any books that have been translated into modern language?

A: There are published books that have been translated into modern language, making it accessible for contemporary readers.

Q: Is there a sequel to "Tōkaidōchū Hizakurige"?

A: "Tōkaidōchū Hizakurige" also has a sequel titled "Zoku Hizakurige," which is a major work that spans from the first volume to the twelfth volume.