The Tôkaidô (literally the "Eastern Sea Route") was the most important communication road built by the Tokugawa Shogunate:

"From Edo it led down the magnificent Pacific coast, where mountains meet suddenly with ocean to form some of the most fascinating natural scenery imaginable. Midway it turned inland, crossed through a range of majestic snow-capped mountains, and passed the beautiful Lake Biwa before reaching Kyôto. This was one of a number of highways built by the Tokugawa government to facilitate administration. It was always kept in good condition, and stopping places, or "stages," were maintained at fifty-three points along the way." (Takahashi Seiichirô and Charles Terry in "Andô Hiroshige")