Opening of the Garden at Fukagawa Hachiman Shrine

In the foreground people walk beside the pond, with cherry and willow trees. In the middle a pond spreads out, spanned by several bridges. Further back is a green artificial hill surrounded by red azaleas and cherry blossoms, with pines and other trees continuing beyond. People also gather in front of the teahouse by the pond.

A pale blue pond at the center, with scattered red azaleas, pink cherry blossoms, and a green artificial hill, forms a bright and gorgeous palette. The viewpoint looks down from above and takes in the whole garden. The picture, dotted with spots of flower color, conveys the splendor of spring filling the garden.

Tomioka Hachiman Shrine was the tutelary shrine of all Fukagawa and is known for the Fukagawa festival. The title's "yamabiraki" refers to opening the shrine's garden to the general public, and it is said to have taken place in the spring of Ansei 4.

This print belongs to the summer section, and its censor's seal dates it to the eighth month of Ansei 4 (1857). Less than two years after the earthquake, it depicts townspeople enjoying a flower garden and is thought to convey the brightness of a recovering Edo.