11th Station: Mishima

Here, travelers are setting forth in the early morning mists. One is on horseback and the other is in a kago carried by four pole bearers, appropriate for a person of lower rank. Mishima was the location of a major Shinto shrine, Mishima Taisha, and the archway (torii) of the shrine is seen in this print in the background.

Situated at the entrance to the Hakone Pass, this station was packed with travelers all through the year. Because water flows from Mount Fuji to the town, Mishima was referred to as the "Capital of Water.”