Under the theme of "Haiku," we will introduce Kikaku Enomoto (later Kikaku Takarai), a poet who gained popularity during the Edo period, and spots related to the corner. We hope that you will feel familiar with the phrases written by the corner, the time and city where the corner spent.
Also, I heard the news that a promotion council was established to make Haiku UNESCO Intangible Cultural Property. If approved, Haiku will get more attention.
１． The haiku poet, Kikaku
There is a monument to the site of the corner residence in Kayabacho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku.
Monument, the ruins of the corner residence (Kayabacho, Chuo-ku)
Matsuo Basho, a poet from the Edo period, established haikai in the literary arts. "Sokaku" is the disciple of Basho, which is counted as Shomonjittsu.
In contrast to Basho who wrote tranquility, the corner wrote many stylish phrases based on Edo. After Basho's death, the corner caused "Edoza" and gained even more popularity with a stylish phrase reflecting the Edo kid's temperament.
Basho Okina Statue and Historic Site Observation Garden (Tokiban, Koto-ku)
Now, let's take a look at the verse. In the following, both are phrases that describe Edo. (Please read the next page (continued) for the meaning of phrases and places related to them.)
The sound and changing clothes in Echigo-ya
There is no day when a bell can't be sold. Spring in Edo
Hirodai Shoran (Echigoya kimono store)
The sound and changing clothes in Echigo-ya
From Echigo-ya, a kimono shop, you can hear the refreshing sound of tearing the silk fabric to tailor the line of summer. It's finally the season of changing clothes. (Quoted from Weblio Old Word Dictionary)
There is no day when a bell can't be sold. Spring in Edo
Even bells that are rarely sold, Edo New Year's Day is so crowded that they can be sold.
You're fashionable. It seems that the peaceful but lively state of Edo at the time will be transmitted to us today. Moreover, it is a phrase "I want to put it in my mouth."
２． The spot recommended
Next, we will introduce some of the recommended spots related to the corner. These can also be turned around on foot.
Kidai Shoran reproduction picture scroll
[@Mitsukoshimae Station Underground Concourse near the underground exit of Mitsukoshi Department Store Nihonbashi Muromachi]
Hirodai Shoran (underground concourse at Mitsukoshimae Station)
What was the city of Edo written by that corner?
In order to imagine the city of Edo, I think it's better to actually go to see "Kidai Shoran".
Kidai Shoran is a picture scroll depicting the bustle of the streets from Nihonbashi to Imagawa Bridge (Kanda) during the Edo period. The reproduction is a mural.
Nihonbashi (Kyodai Shoran)
This picture scroll depicts a little later (about 200 years ago) than when the corner was active (about 300 years ago). However, it is a must-see picture scroll that can image the "Nihonbashi Echigoya Kimono Store" and the "Business Edo Town" expressed by the corner in the above phrase. There are plenty of commentary, so it is a recommended spot that you definitely want to stop by.
Remains of the corner residence [@ 1-chome, Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku]
Monument of the ruins of the corner residence (Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku)
In Nihonbashi Kayaba-cho, Chuo-ku, there is a monument indicating the site of the corner residence.
In fact, there are various spots to see around the ruins of the house at the corner, but I will introduce it next time and later. (Reference: "Chuo-ku First Story Map" issued by Chuo-ku Tourism Association)
By the way, after actually confirming the ruins of the corner dwelling, why don't you walk to the place where Basho-an was located in the feeling of Basho's disciple's corner?
Basho Okina Statue (Historic Observation Garden) and Basho Memorial Hall [@ Tokiwa 1-chome, Koto-ku]
From the ruins of the corner dwelling, there was Basho-an near the base of Mannen Bridge, an area across the Sumida River. It seems that the exact location is unknown. However, there is currently a statue of Basho Okina (Historic Observation Garden) around the area where Basho-an was located, so we aim for that.
From the ruins of the corner dwelling to the statue of Basho Okina, you will take a stroll while looking at the waterside scenery such as the Sumida River and the Onagi River.
Basho Okina Statue and Historic Site Observation Garden
If you have time, you can also stop by the Basho Memorial Hall. The atmosphere of the small garden in the hall is also wonderful.
Basho Memorial Hall
３．Summary
The course from the ruins of the corner residence to the vicinity of Basho-an is just the right distance for walking.
When you actually see the rivers and bridges depicted in Ukiyo-e, as well as the Kidai Shoran-e scrolls depicting the bustle of the city of Edo, you can imagine that there was no shortage of the subject of haikai. And it will also be an opportunity to feel closer to that time.
