Japan: Cover of a mid-19th century edition of a section of Jippensha Ikku's masterpiece 'Tokaidochu Hizakurige' (1802-1822).

Tōkaidōchū Hizakurige​, abbreviated as Hizakurige and known in translation as 'Shank's Mare', is a picaresque comic novel (kokkei-bon) written by Jippensha Ikku (1765–1831), about the misadventures of two travelers on the Tōkaidō, the main road between Kyoto and Edo (now known as Tokyo) during the Edo Period. The book was published in twelve parts between 1802 and 1822. The two main characters, traveling from Edo to Kyoto on their pilgrimage to the Ise Shrine, are called Yajirobē and Kitahachi.

The book, while written in a comical style, was written as a traveler's guide to the Tōkaidō Road. It details famous landmarks at each of the 53 post towns along the road, where the characters, often called Yaji and Kita, frequently find themselves in hilarious situations. They travel from station to station, predominantly interested in food, sake, and women. As Edo men, they view the world through an Edo lens, deeming themselves more cultured and savvy in comparison to the countrymen they meet. Hizakurige also provides information and anecdotes regarding various regions along the Tōkaidō. Tourism was booming during the Edo Period, when this was written. This work is one of many guidebooks that proliferated, to whet the public's appetite for sight-seeing.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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