This is a framed original, signed print by William Zacha. This print is part of a larger body of work entitled, "Tokaido Journey". This piece came to the Mendocino Art Center through a donation by Thomas & Nancy Harrington.

Tokaido Journey 49 – Sakanoshita
One of my favorite spots on the Tokaido is Sakanoshita – in the heart of the Suzuka gorge, with Mt. Fudesute overhanging. A super freeway replaced the old Tokaido, and it sweeps through the mountains. At the most scenic point there’s a turn-off to a short stretch of the old road. There one can see portions of the most magnificent honjin along the Tokaido. A honjin, the forerunner of the Japanese inn, was established to provide accommodations for official travellers and their retinue.

Along the stream that flows through Sakanoshita are giant cryptomeria trees, rice fields, manicured tea plants, and bamboo in profusion. Nearby are beautiful examples of the old architecture, structures that could have been inns in earlier times. As I was sketching, a group of elders arrived for a function at the town meeting center. They greeted me and made me feel at home. William Zacha