During the Edo period (1603-1867), the Old Tokaido Way and other roads in various counties were developed, and trees were planted on both sides of the road.
As you can see in the ukiyoe “Fifty-three Stages of the Tokaido,” pine trees were the most common trees lining the road.
They provided green shade for travelers in the intense summer sun and protected them from the blowing wind and snow in winter.
They also served as road markers when snow made it difficult to find the way.
The travelers could keep on track if they followed the rows of trees.
24 However, the soil of the mountains of Hakone, described in the Japanese poem“Hakone Hachiri” as the most dangerous and challenging area, was acidic.
Alongside the rainy climate, it made it unsuitable for the growth of pine trees. Therefore, cedar trees were planted in Hakone.
The Tokaido Way has undergone a considerable change in appearance due to modernization.
However, the cedar trees, described in the same poem as “Day as dark as night,” stretch approximately 500 meters from Motohakone to the Hakone Imperial Park, and today there remain about 400 large trees that are roughly 350 years old.
We invite you to walk along the avenue of cedar trees while thinking of all the people who have passed through Hakone, including the feudal lord’s procession on their way to court, people making pilgrimages to Ise, Buddhist monks, merchants, government officials, footmen, horsemen, palanquin carriers, Yaji-san and Kita-san from the book”Tokaidochu Hizakurige”, and residents who have maintained the cedar trees.
The writer of this article.
Guide: Hiroko Omori
After living abroad for 25 years in the U.S. and U.K., she realized how interesting Japan was through interaction with local people and became fascinated by the pleasure of speaking with them.
I was guided by my ancestors, who built Odawara Castle and are related to Hakone Shrine, and I have been guiding visitors to Hakone for the most part. I introduce the nature, history, culture, and people of Hakone, which is full of charm.
