5. Totsuka


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5. Totsuka from Tokaido Gojusantsugi by Hiroshige

Station #5: A traveler dismounting from a horse is most appropriate for the Totsuka station. It was 23 miles from Edo to Totsuka and many travelers spent their first night here. Above are signs showing this inn was approved by different traveling religious groups. Below we see a maid, ready to help the new guest. Travel guides warned of thieves and gave tips for protecting oneself. Some inns attracted customers by employing beautiful "maids," but these establishments often exploited their guests. In response to this, there evolved a nation-wide union of inns called "Naniwako" (Association of Merchants Originated in Osaka) who advertised themselves as safe for travelers, with set fees and no "extra" services. There were other associations whose members paid a fee, then used coupons to pay for their travel expenses - a bit like today's debit cards. If travelers carried little cash, they didn't attract thieves.

Image Copyright: Minneapolis Institute of Art

 

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