23rd Station: Shimada

Shimada was located on the left bank (Edo side) of the Oi River, just across from its neighboring post town, Kanaya (plate 24). In this print a long line of travelers is seen crossing the shallows and sand banks of the river. Some are on foot, some are carried by porters and others are riding in kago.

The Tokugawa shogunate expressly forbid the construction of any bridge or ferry service over the Oi River, forcing travelers to wade across its shallows. Whenever the river flooded after heavy rains, it made passing nearly impossible, forcing visitors to stay at Shimada for several days, thereby increasing the amount of money they spent there.