During the Edo Period, the means of transportation was by foot or horse, and rest places along the way were vital, leading to places known as shukuba (post town), meaning a town to settle down. The Tokaido Highway was one of the five main routes during the time, and Kambara-shuku in Shizuoka Prefecture acted as a destination for the people back then. The townscape has been preserved, and you are able to find historic buildings and traditional culture left untouched. Venture on an unforgettable journey to the past, to witness the town’s history and tradition that can only be found here.
This experience starts by visiting the Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art, dedicated to the ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) and his works. The museum is divided into two sections, where the permanent exhibition provides a comprehensive introduction to ukiyo-e as a form of information dissemination, as well as the life and career of Hiroshige.
After enjoying the museum, you will have the opportunity to make kneaded incense at a historic building that was once an inn. Kneaded incense making, also known as nerikoh, is a traditional Japanese art form which was a favorite of the famous shogun leader Tokugawa Ieyasu, who played a central role in the unification of Japan during the late 16th and early 17th century. In the making process, finely ground natural ingredients like spices, herbs, and aromatic woods are mixed with honey and kneaded into a dough-like consistency. One of its characteristics is its long-lasting.
Kambara Station in Shizuoka (an hour and half from Tokyo via Shinkansen and local train)
