Utagawa Hiroshige – One Hundred Famous Views of Edo – 116 – Winter – Takadanobaba 歌川広重-名所江戸百景-116-冬-高田の馬場
Current Address: Takadanobaba, Shinjuku Ward
Latitude and Longitude: 35.7125, Longitude: 139.7036
Published: February 1857 Age: 61
Tourist Guide-Style Commentary: “Takadanobaba”
■ Introduction
Utagawa Hiroshige’s “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo” is a series of ukiyo-e prints depicting Edo’s famous sites along with seasonal scenery.
Among these, “Takadanobaba” is a work set in the expansive landscape of the outskirts of Edo.
This painting combines the harshness of a samurai training ground with the lush natural surroundings.
Among the many urban scenes in this series, Hiroshige’s emphasis on Edo’s suburban vibe is unique.
For people of the time, this subject evoked a sense of “traveling a little further afield.”
■About Takadanobaba
Takadanobaba was established in 1636 by order of the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, for the purpose of horsemanship training and martial arts training.
Located on a hill in Totsuka Village, close to the center of Edo, it served as the official training ground for samurai.
It is located in what is now the Takadanobaba area of Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo.
The area surrounding Waseda University and Takadanobaba Station is the former site of the facility.
Equestrianism was considered an essential skill in samurai society, and samurai practiced horseback riding, archery, and spearmanship here.
It also served as a place of entertainment for Edo commoners, where they could watch training sessions.
■Highlights of the painting
Baba were places where samurai trained in archery and horsemanship, and many were established during the Edo period as training grounds for samurai retainers.
The large image on the left half of the painting depicts people drawing their bows at a round, leather-covered target.
Arrowheads were wrapped in cloth to prevent the arrows from hitting the target.
The pine tree in front of the target is one of several planted on the north side to provide windbreaks.
Two people are riding horses in the riding ground in the background.
Mount Fuji, completely covered in snow, can be seen in the distance.
Takada no Baba is said to have originally been a lawn garden established by Takada-no-Dono, the mother of Ieyasu’s sixth son, Tadateru.
The riding ground was completed in 1636 and continued to exist until the end of the Edo period, even though many riding grounds were abolished and replaced by samurai estates or town areas.
■Walking around modern-day Takadanobaba
Today, it is a bustling student and commercial district, and is particularly a hub of youth culture as the temple town surrounding Waseda University.
The Takadanobaba Monument remains in Takadanobaba, reminding us that this was once a riding training ground.
By exploring the place names and historical sites around the riding ground, you can experience the atmosphere of a samurai training ground from the Edo period in modern times.
■Tourist Guide Recommendations
- Historical Site Exploration
Visit the Takadanobaba Monument and the Takadanobaba Duel Monument to experience Edo history firsthand. - Student Town Gourmet
Modern Takadanobaba is a foodie district, home to a diverse selection of international restaurants. Enjoy this experience while taking a historical stroll. - Literary Connections
As an area that has featured in literary works by authors such as Natsume Soseki and Kawabata Yasunari, this area is also recommended for literary strolls.
