29th Station: Hamamatsu

In this print, Hiroshige presents a rural scene from outside of the town with a group of peasants at the roadside warming themselves by a bonfire, while a traveler stands looking on. The town, with a view of the multi-storied Hamamatsu Castle, can be seen in the far distance.

During the Tenpo Era (1830-1844) there were ninety-four inns for travelers to use, making it the largest post station in Totomi and Suruga provinces. At that time, Hamamatsu was located on the right bank of the Tenryu River, but over time, the river's course changed, so the post station is now approximately four miles from the river's edge.