Japanese Woodblock Print, Showa era printing by Hasagawa/Nishinomiya from recarved blocks

SIZE IN INCHES: chuban, 7 x 10 inches

COMMENTS: The most difficult section of the Tokaido Road was the pass at Hakone, which was about nine miles from Odawara, and which was approachable only by a steep mountain path. The road itself was dangerous, and travelers ran the added risk of falling victim to bandits who chronically harassed the area. As a compensation, however, there were scenic splendors on a dazzling scale, as well as a large number of magnificent hot springs, warmed by the subterranean fires of the dormant Mt. Fuji. When one had finally climbed to Hakone proper, one could look out over the clear waters of Lake Ashi (often called Lake Hakone) toward Fuji's awe-inspiring peak or rest under the huge trees of the forest that surrounded Hakone Shrine.

The Tokugawa government made use of the topography in this area in its system of travel control. Near the shores of Lake Ashi there was a government barrier where all travelers were examined. The government was particularly concerned with preventing firearms from being brought into the Edo region and women of the samurai class from going out. The purpose was to prevent revolt as firearms might be used against the government in Edo, and the womenfolk of provincial feudatories made excellent hostages so long as they were in the capital. Ordinary commoners could apparently pass the government barrier with little difficulty, but the officials were much stricter with members of the warrior class. Barriers of the same sort were maintained all over Japan, but the one at Hakone was the most famous. Its remains are still to be seen today.

Fine, no flaws