One Hundred Famous Views of Edo No.25Old miniature Mt. Fuji at Meguro

Two miniature Mt. Fujis were in the Meguro area. The one shown in this print was established in 1812 by volunteers from organizations of Mt. Fuji worshippers on a hillside in Yarigasaki, to the northwest of the one shown in the print “New miniature Mt. Fuji at Meguro”. Being located on elevated land, this one (also 15 metres high) offered the most magnificent view of the real Mt. Fuji. Accordingly, it was frequented all year round by women and children who could not climb the real mountain. As is shown in this print, visitors climbed the miniature Mt. Fuji aided by a zigzag path made on its slope. At the foot of the mountain stood a pine tree taller than the mountain.
The climbing season at Mt. Fuji officially opened on June 1st, and on that same date this miniature mountain would also be crowded with climbers. Some impatient visitors arrived on the previous day and started to climb the miniature mountain immediately upon the clock striking midnight. During the climbing season, many stalls selling food and beverages were set up around the base of the mountain to serve the visitors. Some pious merchants were so generous as to treat climbers to rice cakes on the top of the mountain.
Hiroshige has depicted people who have come here to spend a pleasant day in spring under the cherry blossoms and to enjoy a fine view of the real Mt. Fuji still covered with snow.