Explanation of the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido 45 Ishiyakushi
7.9km from Kameyama to Ishiyakushi, 34°53′00″N 136°31′29″E
Ishiyakushi is the 44th post station of the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.
The name Ishiyakushi comes from Ishiyakushiji Temple. The Ozawa family served as the main inn.
Ishiyakushi was established in 1616 because the distance between Yokkaichi and Kameyama was too long under the Tokaido post station system. This caused difficulties for people and horses to travel.
Ishiyakushi is located on a small plateau, and there were tall pine trees around Ozawa’s main inn. It was also known as “Matsumotojin.”
Ishiyakushiji Temple, which still remains along the old road, is an ancient temple that enshrines a stone Yakushi Nyorai Buddha as its principal image.
During the Edo period, not only travelers who traveled along the Tokaido, but also feudal lords in the western provinces who were on alternate attendance routes visited the temple and prayed for safety on their journeys.
Ishiyakushiji Temple belongs to the Toji branch of the Shingon sect. It was founded in 726, and is said to have been founded between 810 and 823.
The main image of the temple is said to have been carved by Kobo Daishi in one day into a sacred stone that emerged from the ground.
① “Hoeido version”
The three mountains in the center, off the road, are the mountains near Nyudogatake or Noto Mountain in the Suzuka mountain range.
The gentle slopes and colors of the mountains are beautiful.
The mountain gate of Ishiyakushiji Temple can be seen across the road through the fields.
At the end of the path beside the rice paddies, there is the impressive mountain gate of the temple, and to the right of that is the post town.
The rice harvest has already finished, and farmers are tending the harvested fields with hoes. Judging from the colors of the surrounding trees, the season is late autumn to early winter.
It is dusk.
Only two farmers are depicted in small scale, working in the fields.
The mountain village has an atmosphere of having just finished work.
On the road, two people are carrying luggage on a shoulder pole toward Ishiyakushiji Temple. They are the only moving figures in the silence.
Travelers passing slowly on horseback are probably heading to Shono-juku, 3km away, to stay the night.
② “Gyousyo version”
It depicts a man and horse, knee-deep in snow, moving steadily forward in the falling snow.
The silver world and the figures of travelers make this one of the best works in the series.
③”Reisyo version”
It depicts various scenes of travelers and laborers arriving at an inn.
④ “Hokusai version”
A picture of Ishiyakushiji Temple and Saifukuji Temple gate.
The sign of the teahouse says “Eels.”
Eel is a specialty here.
⑤ “Travel image”
The atmosphere of the road in the center of Ishiyakushi.
⑥ “Stamp image”
A stamp from Uchibe Station.
Hoeido version
Gyousyo version
Reisyo version
Hokusai version
Travel image
Stamp image
