To accomodate the growing traffic on the Tokaido Road during the 18th century, street vendors set up portable stalls offering a variety of goods. Vendors called out to passing pedestrians, hoping to catch their attention with distinctive sing-song phrases. Peddlers strolled through the crowds with goods on their backs, selling things that a traveler might find useful such as straw hats, sandals, tea, tobacco and old kimonos. At night, food stands were set up offering soba noodles, sushi and tempura (particular favorites of the day).

As the popularity of travel grew, guidebooks and prints acted as travel guides for the literate populace.

IMAGE CREDITS
Top: Street vendors on the Tokaido Road/Tokaido Hiroshige Museum
Left: Street vendor/Shunji Jonoshita

On the Tokaido Road
View scenes from the Tokaido Road