Station #34: As people traveled the Tokaido, they crossed many rivers. Most did not have bridges - a cunning military tactic. An army can easily cross a river on a bridge, but it's much more difficult and time-consuming to cross on boats. Yoshida was a stronghold of the Tokugawa shogun, with a large garrison of samurai, so a bridge was well guarded there. In this scene workmen are repairing the castle's main tower. It seems as if one of them is gaily waving to the daimyo procession passing below on the bridge. Yoshida Shrine's annual festival is held on June 15 and is famous for its fireworks. The shrine is dedicated to Tenno, a god who protects against epidemics. The festival was held in the summer when epidemics frequently struck.

Image Copyright: Minneapolis Institute of Art