This thesis deals with the subject of the Tōkaidō Road in premodern Japanese literature. Tōkaidō meishoki by Asai Ryōi, which was published in six volumes in 1661, has been chosen for a closer analysis as the earliest Edo Period literary work representing this theme. The novel structure is analysed against the background of contemporary production of kanazōshi books and the genre meishoki. The work presents also a basic overview of life and work of the travelogue's author, the Buddhist philosopher Asai Ryōi, who is regarded as the first popular fiction writer of the Edo period. The thesis outlines the development of the theme of Tokaidó in classical literature and scrutinizes its further progress in premodern literature of the Edo period. It follows up also its usage in Japanese drama, as well as in visual arts. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)