Explanation of the 53 Stations of the Tokaido 54 Otsu
Latitude 35° 00′ 21.5″ north, longitude 135° 51′ 41.1″ east
Kyoshi to Otsu 11.8km
Otsu-juku, located south of Lake Biwa, was the most prosperous and large post station on the Tokaido.
During the Edo period, “Kurumaishi” (granite stones) were laid on the old Tokaido highway that connected Otsu and Kyoto for the passage of ox carts.
In the Meiji period, when horse-drawn carriages became the main vehicle, the stone stones were removed. The removed Kuruma stones were used for stone walls, etc.
Otsu is famous for the Otsu Incident.
On May 11, 1891, the Crown Prince of the Russian Empire (later Tsar Nicholas II), who was visiting Japan, suddenly slashed a police officer,
Sanzo Tsuda, in Otsu Town, Shiga Prefecture, in an assassination attempt.
The incident occurred while the fleet of the Russian Empire, one of the great powers at the time, was in Kobe Port.
This created a tense situation in which Japan, which is still developing, could face armed retaliation.
Emperor Meiji himself took action to calm down the situation by taking military retaliation.
① “Hoeido version”
In the mountains between Otsu-juku and Kyoto, there was “Hashirii no Sato.”
means a well that gushes out vigorously.
This was a place with an abundance of high-quality water.
A running well is drawn at the edge of the teahouse.
Hashirii mochi made with this water was popular as a souvenir.
Three ox carts loaded with rice bales and firewood come down the highway. The bullock carts indicate that there was a lot of distribution.
The mountain visible in the distance is Mt. Osaka.
The roads on Mt. Osaka are always muddy due to spring water. It was difficult to transport by oxcart.
② “Gyosho version” There is a signboard for the famous Gengoro carp at the sake brewery on the shores of Lake Biwa. Nowadays, Gengoro carp narezushi is famous.
Compared to the Japanese carp and Japanese carp from Lake Biwa, the skin and flesh of the Japanese carp are a little harder and chewy.
➂The subject is a shop that sells “Reisho version” Otsu paintings.
Otsu-e is a folk painting that has been famous since the early Edo period.
They cover a variety of subjects and are sold as souvenirs and talismans for people traveling on the Tokaido.
④ “Hokusai version” depicts a well that is bubbling up vigorously.
⑤ “Travel Image” JR Otsu Station.
⑥ “Stamp image” This is a stamp from JR Otsu Station.
Hoeido version
Gyosho version
Reisho version
Hokusai version
JR Otsu Station
Stamp from JR Otsu Station
