Hakone Lake In Sagami Province (Sôshû Hakone no kosui)

Catalog note / 解説

Lying to the east of Fuji, the mountainous region near Hakone, with peaks of nearly 4000 feet, was the most difficult area for travelers on the Tökaidö Road. In the 20 miles between the Odawara and Mishima stations, the road rose and fell, passing Lake Ashinoko at a high altitude and also Hakone station. In 1618, a checkpoint (sekisho) or barricade was established at Hakone to inspect travelers, especially women and young maidens, who underwent stringent identity checks. The shogunate was especially concerned about preventing the wives and daughters of local daimyö from escaping Edo, where they were obliged to reside as virtual hostages under the policy of alternate attendance (sankin-kötai…