To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the completion of the late Edo Period comical book, "Tokaidochu Hizakurige," which is known for Yaji and Kita's road travels, a special exhibition titled "Yaji-san Kita-san Kyo wo Yuku," or Yaji and Kita go to Kyoto, started from October 3 at Uji City History Reference Library in Orii-dai, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. The event recreates the Edo Period journey, displaying "Ukiyo-e," or Edo Period woodblock prints, landmark paintings and others.

"Tokaidochu Hizakurige" is the best known work of Ikku Jippensha (1765-1831). It is a travel journal in which Yaji-san and Kita-san travel from Tokyo with the purpose of visiting Ise Jingu Shrine, and going around Kyoto and other places. The first volume was published in 1802, and the final volume of eight, in which they arrive in Osaka, came out in 1809.

In addition to "Tokaidochu Hizakurige," the special exhibition displays approximately 300 items, including Edo Period painter Hiroshige Utagawa's "Ukiyo-e" describing each post town on the Tokaido, including Shinagawa, Kusatsu and Otsu, and "Ise Dochu-ki," a travel guidebook of that time, among others. A guidebook, "Miyako Meisho-zue," which described historic spots such as Byodo-in Temple or the episode "Kagero" in Uji-Jujo of the Tale of Genji, are also on display.

In addition, Professor Michitaka Kamata of Nara University will give a lecture entitled "Edo-jidai no Tabi to Kaido," or journeys and old roads in the Edo Period, on October 16, and Jun Yasugi, the curator of Kusatsujuku Kaido Kouryukan, will have a historical lecture on October 28. Both lectures will be held from 2:00 p.m. at Uji City Culture Center. There is no admission fee.

The special exhibition will continue until November 22, and is closed on Mondays. Admission costs 200 yen for high school students and over. There is no charge for junior high school students and under.