A View of Topography in Ukiyo-e Landscapes during the Edo Period, Japan

The Japanese view of topography during the Edo period has been examined through the landforms depicted in Utagawa Hiroshige’s ukiyo-e series, Pictures of Famous Places in the Sixty-odd Provinces. Coastal landforms make up 54.1% of the landscape architecture as a main component in this 69-image series. Edo people had a strong affection for the rias coasts, which provided them with a sense of duality in their experiences at the edges of the land, as well as for the sandy coasts with pine forests, often represented as Baeksacheongsong in Japanese literature. In addition to the majestically volcanic mountains, non-volcanic mountains became spiritually significant as famous sites for mountain worship. Even ordinary mountains in low-elevation areas could become famous places due to their familiarity within the local landscape. Waterfalls, traditionally popular attractions, were also enthusiastically visited by Edo people as scenic spots. The topographical images of famous places, shared as collective representations among the Edo people, were externalized through Hiroshige’s pictures and have been passed down, allowing these locations to maintain their status as important cultural attractions.