EIRI D?CH? HITORI ANNAI [Illustrated Guide to Solitary Journeys]

Makino, Toyotaro

Published by Kimura Bunsaburo, Tokyo, 1880

First edition of this illustrated pocket guide to traveling alone across Meiji-era Japan, including information on roads, landmarks, heritage and popular pilgrimage sites, and places to stay. This small guide, fitting comfortably in the palm, covers four major routes through Japan. It begins with an overview of the T?kaid?, the most important road of the Edo period, connecting Kyoto and Edo along the coast. (Today, the T?kaid? Shinkansen follows largely the same route.) Next is the Nakasend?, another major road from Edo to Kyoto, but through an inland path (away from the troublesome crossings of rivers). The third route is the ?sh? Kaid?, connecting Edo with Mutsu Province in the north; and the fourth is the Narita Michi, a popular pilgrimage route in the Edo period to Naritasan Shinsoji Temple, which was especially known for kabuki. Along each route, the guide covers where to stay, what to eat, how much to pay for transportation, which shrines to visit, and more. These roads were used for commerce, pilgrimages, and tourism including noting local food specialties. Travel was primarily by foot, and many small shrines are marked along each path. Stage coach was also a choice in some areas, and the guide has noted their prices. Most magnificently, the guide is heavily illustrated with elegant copper engravings that depict a vast running landscape at the top margin, with individual detailed views scattered about as vignettes next to the main text, the book's oblong format echoing the traveler's long path. A subtly evocative text, capturing what it would have been like to travel Edo-period roads in the early decades of the Meiji. 2.25'' X 5''. Original yellow wrappers, string-bound, fukuro-toji ("bound pocket book" style). Illustrated with copper engravings throughout. 39 leaves. Marginal ink stain to top edge of last few leaves, not affecting images, some soil to leaves. Wrappers with soil, notable wear, yet still firm and intact. Seller Inventory # 52584

Bibliographic Details

Title: EIRI D?CH? HITORI ANNAI [Illustrated Guide ...
Publisher: Kimura Bunsaburo, Tokyo
Publication Date: 1880
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: Very good.
Edition: 1st Edition