Edo Era Travelers in Shizuoka City (Sumpu)!


The City of Shizuoka (as of the Prefecture) was always called so, but until the end of the beginning of the modern era it was called Sumpu/駿府.
The city grew in importance when the Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa/徳川家康 decided to retire there in the beginning of the 17th Century.
There used to be a castle called Sumpu Jyou/駿府城 but the later Shogun ordered it to be burnt.
In recent years a two-third size copy has been (and is still) built as faithfully as possible.
This makes for a very interesting venue as it includes parks, a museum and an event space.


Now, if you walk along the moat behind Shizuoka University Junior School you will espy some people sitting on a bench just beyond a traditional lantern tower!


Can you see them?


They are not people but statues!


Bronze Statue of Yaji-Kita

Actually it is a modern statue of two main characters of “Tokaidochu Hiza-kuri-ge (Travels on Foot on the Tokaido),”
Yaji (left) and Kita (right), a story/play written 200 years ago by Jippensha Ikku!
An ideal spot to take pictures of the past as the statues faithfully represent two people of the Edo Era, a time when travelers walked all the way from Yedo/Tokyo to Sumpu (174 km)!



Note that the garb is taht of typical travelers of the time.


the gentle face of a grand old man!




Obviously the face of a younger and more exhuberant companion!


The “chonmage/丁髷/hair knot” in fashion then!


In that time men used to shave their pate unless they were practically becoming bald! LOL


Everyday necessities were carried in small boxes.


Tobacco box and pipe.
Note the footwear!


Sandal and calf wear.


The moat and pavement.


Will report on Sumpu Castle next time!


Shop with Intent by Debbie

Must-see tasting websites:

The Wine Wankers by Stuart in Australia!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

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