Transportation in Ukiyo-e

Transportation is essential in our day-to-day lives, and this has been the case throughout history. During the Edo period in Japan, various methods of transport were utilized including people power, horses, and ships, with the latter having particular significance in modern-day Tokyo given the presence of Tokyo Bay and the Sumida River. The importance of transport methods was also reflected in historical artworks, with individuals like Utagawa Hiroshige and Katsushika Hokusai depicting logistics and transport in many of their ukiyo-e pieces. A special exhibition taking place at the Ota Memorial Museum explores a variety of them, with iconic prints like Hiroshige’s “Ferry Boat Crossing the Rokugo River” and “Nihonbashi Morning View” just a couple of the works to be displayed. Adult admission to the event is priced at ¥ 800.