Arai, from the series "Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido

"Arai, from the series 'Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido (Tokaido gojusan tsugi),' also known as the Tokaido with Poem (Kyoka iri Tokaido)," is a woodblock print by Utagawa Hiroshige, part of a series depicting the scenic journey along the Tokaido road, which connected Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Kyoto. This particular print captures the station of Arai, known for its checkpoint, and is accompanied by a kyoka, a humorous poem, reflecting the cultural and social nuances of the Edo period.

The woodblock print "Arai" from Utagawa Hiroshige's series "Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido" depicts a tranquil scene featuring a ferry crossing a wide expanse of water, with passengers and goods aboard, set against a backdrop of distant mountains and a clear sky. The composition is characterized by its balanced use of color and line, capturing the serene atmosphere of travel along the historic Tokaido road.