30. Maisaka


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30. Maisaka from Tokaido Gojusantsugi by Hiroshige

Station #30: Travelers reached Maisaka from Hamamatsu by a ferry. An earthquake and tidal wave in 1499 destroyed the land between Lake Hamana and the Enshu Sea which had once connected the two stations. The four mile stretch of water came to be called Imagire (Ima = now and gire = cut). Prospective brides avoided crossing at Imagire, fearing the curse of a short-lived marriage. This added approximately 27 miles or 45 kilometers to their journey. Hiroshige created a winter scene with snow covered Mt. Fuji in the distance. In the foreground are clam fishers and the sails of the ferries.

Image Copyright: Minneapolis Institute of Art

 

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