Utagawa Hiroshige – One Hundred Famous Views of Edo – 26 – Spring – Hakkeizaka Yoroikakematsu – Commentary 歌川広重-名所江戸百景-26-春- 八景坂鎧掛松 解説
Current Address: Near Sanno 2-chome, Ota Ward
Latitude and Longitude: Latitude 35.588346: Longitude 139.727224
Published: May 1856 Age: 60
Commentary
<1> Introduction
“Hakkeizaka Yoroikakematsu” is a painting depicting a scenic spot located near present-day Kitashinagawa in Shinagawa Ward.
The central feature of this work is a lone pine tree standing on a slope offering a panoramic view of Edo Bay, making it a beloved spot for the people of Edo.
<2> About Hakkeizaka and Yoroikakematsu
Hakkeizaka is a slope leading to high ground located south of Shinagawa-juku. From the top of the slope, visitors could enjoy spectacular views of Edo Bay and the Boso Peninsula.
The name comes from the fact that the view from here is likened to eight landscapes, similar to the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang of Dongting Lake in Hunan Province, China.
The people of Edo loved the scenery on the slope, superimposing it with poetic scenes such as sunsets and night rain.
Yoroikakematsu is a large pine tree towering over the slope. It was given the name “Yoroikakematsu” after legend has it that Minamoto no Yoshiie rested here and hung his armor on the pine tree before leaving for the Gosannen War.
<3> Highlights of the painting
The large Yoroikakematsu is depicted in the center.
Its solitary form draws people’s attention like a symbol.
Behind the pine tree stretches the vast Edo Bay, and ships large and small can be seen passing by.
Offshore Shinagawa was a key shipping hub, conveying the bustle of the area at the time.
The three elements of pine, sea, and sky are combined, and the composition, which makes use of the white space, is very free-flowing.
This is a beautiful ukiyo-e depiction of one of the “Eight Views” beloved by the people of Edo.
The name Yoroi-kake Matsu comes from the fact that Minamoto no Yoshiie hung his armor on this pine tree to rest during his campaign against Oshu.
Yori-kake Matsu was a large tree, over 20 meters tall.
The pine tree, which is over 800 years old, was located at the top of Hakkei-zaka, on the way from Shinagawa to Ikegami.
Hakkei-zaka was originally called Yagen-zaka, which was corrupted to Yakei-zaka, and later came to be called “Hakkei” slope by adding the characters for “eight views.”
As it was located on high ground, it was undoubtedly possible to command magnificent views like those featured in the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang.
It seems that in the past, this name did not refer to the current Ikegami Street, but rather to the slope leading up to the nearby Tenso Shrine.
There is a teahouse on the left, which would have been a perfect place to rest and enjoy the magnificent view.
<4> Hakkei-zaka for the People of Edo
During the Edo period, Hakkei-zaka was a popular tourist spot.
It was also a famous spot for cherry blossom and moon viewing.
Inspired by the slope’s name, visitors are said to have recited poems such as, “This place is like one of the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang,” and enjoyed the elegant scenery.
Yoroikakematsu (Royorikake Pine) is widely known as a famous Edo tree, and travelers and writers visited and left behind poems and haiku.
<5> Modern-day Hakkei-zaka and Yoroikakematsu (Royorikake Pine)
Hakkei-zaka’s name remains in the area around Gotenyama in Kita-Shinagawa.
While the shape of the slope has changed significantly, place names and monuments allow us to recall its past.
Unfortunately, the Yoroikakematsu (Royorikake Pine) painted by Hiroshige has already been lost.
A historic monument has been erected, serving as a place to pass on the legend.
Sightseeing spots in the area include the remains of Shinagawa-juku Honjin, Ebara Shrine, and the remains of Gotenyama Garden, allowing you to experience the changing landscape from the Edo period to the Meiji period.
<6> Tourist Guide
① Historical Walks and Legendary Exploration
Visit the ruins of Yoroi-kake-matsu, the site of the legendary Yoshiie pine, and experience the atmosphere of this famous Edo site.
② Combined with a Walk around Shinagawa-juku
We recommend combining this with a stroll around the historical sites and temples and shrines of Shinagawa-juku, the first post town on the Tokaido.
You’ll feel like an Edo commoner and traveler.
③ Comparison with Observation Spots
The ocean view from Hakkei-zaka is now hidden by buildings.
Instead, it’s interesting to enjoy the modern-day “Tokyo Bay view” from the area around Takanawa Gateway Station or Tennozu Isle.
