21st Station: Okabe

In this print Hiroshige depicts a mountain stream flowing between steep green banks, with the roadway being no more than a narrow, treacherous path bordered on one side by a stone wall. Travelers are seen making the arduous journey to and from the village at the top of the road.

Though most post stations along the Tokaido were built the first year the route was established, Okabe was built one year later in 1602. It only had a population of 16 when it was first established and even by 1638, there were only 100 people in the town, making it a rather small but flourishing station.