Traveling through historical novels along the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido: Edo, Nihonbashi to Hamamatsu

This book is a must-read for history and travel lovers, as it takes you on a journey along the Tokaido, from Edo's Nihonbashi Bridge through the 53 post towns to Kyoto's Sanjo Bridge, introducing historical novels set in each town. The guides are a diverse group, from Ieyasu and the Ako Roshi to Hanshichi Boss, Momotaro Samurai, and even an elephant presented to the shogun. The appendix includes a comprehensive column on the road's specialties, famous places, and scenic spots. Volume 1 introduces the journey from Edo, through the treacherous Hakone Pass and the Oigawa River crossing, to Hamamatsu in Totomi.

This book is a must-read for history and travel lovers, as it takes you on a journey along the Tokaido, from Edo's Nihonbashi Bridge through the 53 post towns to Kyoto's Sanjo Bridge, introducing historical novels set in each town. The author, who has read a vast number of historical novels, from those by Kido Okamoto of the Taisho era to those by contemporary authors, has carefully selected 208 books set along the Tokaido. The book also features photographs of famous places and historical sites that remain in each post town, which the author personally visited on foot. There is a wide variety of travel guides, from Ieyasu and the Ako Roshi to Boss Hanshichi, Momotaro Samurai, and even the elephant that was presented to the Shogun. The appendix includes a wealth of columns on specialties of the road, famous places and scenic spots, and Mount Fuji as seen by Hiroshige and Hokusai. Volume 1 introduces the journey from Edo, through the difficult crossing of Hakone and the crossing of the Oi River, to Hamamatsu in the Totomi region.