Excursing places in the Outskirts of Edo

Abstract

Some excursing places were seen in the outskirts of Edo, old Tokyo, from the end of 18th to the middle of 19th century.
This study is to elucidate the recreational styles of the common people lived in Edo in the later EDO period, on the bases of literatures and documents.
This report consists of four parts. The first part provides the development of Mukojima. Mukojima where excursionists increased since the end of 18th century was a typical excursing place. A causeway bordered with cherry trees, flower gardens, temples and shrines with gardens, restaurants to serve rocal dishes and pastoral landscapes were there. Literates, merchants and farmers contributed to formation of the beauty spots.
The second; the temples and shrines those pricints are large and have natural features of all seasons. Singings of birds and insects, flowers, tinted autumnal leaves, the harvest moon and snowy landscapes were enjoyed there.
The third; the restaurants near temples, shrines and beauty spots. At the restaurant feasts were held by excursionists.
The final part refers to pilgrimages. The pilgrimage was a religious act combined with pleasure. Consequently the beauty spots and the restaurants near temples and shrines were crowded at the feast-days of deities as well as the temples and shrines.
The remarkable point is; for the people lived in Edo in the later EDO period, ramblings with Lasting natural beauties, pilgrimings, feasts, and amusements were combined in a excursion.