Katsushika Hokusai 葛飾北斎

This printed map, designed to be folded into a packet, depicts an aerial view of the Nakasendō (or Kisokaidō) route, one of five major highways travelers used during the Edo period (1615–1858). The road, which begins in Edo, seen at the bottom left of the map, winds its way to Kyoto, located at the top middle. Compared to a map of same route today (right), Hokusai’s map does not conform to a conventional orientation.

Densely marked with post stations, castle towns, villages, scenic sites, and geographical landmarks, Hokusai’s map was designed to be viewed from multiple angles, providing travelers with an overview of the terrain. Today it serves as testament to the popularity of travel in Japan in the 1800s, when visitors combined sightseeing activities with pilgrimages to famous shrines and temples.