Hodogaya was established in 1601 as the 4th stop westward of Edo (now called Tokyo) for weary Tokaido walkers to rest for the night
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Odawara & Yamanaka Castles
Hojo's territories falling into Toyotomi's hands also completes the unification of Japan under one ruler for the first time in centuries, ending the Warring States Period
In the Footprints of James Clavell: “Shogun” Settings in Izu
the territory between the old capitals of Kyoto and Osaka, and the new capital in Edo, played a pivotal role in this part of Japanese history. This is not lost on Clavell, who strategically places his story on the Izu Peninsula
Yui Juku
Hiroshige's Yui (19C ukiyoe or woodblock print). Note the three travellers top left ascending Satta Pass. The two customers, presumably travellers from the big city of Edo (now called Tokyo, with a population of 1 million during the Edo Period, 17C~mid 19C) stand in awe of the stunning vista across Suruga Bay (Japan's deepest bay) to Mt Fuji (Japan's highest mountain).
Kanbara Juku
Yamashichi proprieter Yamazaki san handmakes Hiroshige Tokaido scene flasks from Obi material
Sunpu Juku
If Fuji could talk what tales it could share of the big role played by Sunpu in the rise of Japan. Toro Isseki. Sunpu Castle. Fugetsuro
One sake, one scotch, one beer in Shizuoka
Take a day trip around Shizuoka's hill country and enjoy some of the finest liquid fruits of this fertile land. Shizuoka Distillery, Aoi Brewery, Utsurogi Wasabi Farm, and Chojiya Restaurant at Mariko.
