Arauji in Shiobara (Shiobara no Arauji)

Shiobara, a hot spring resort area in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture north of Tokyo, was documented by Hasui in a group of prints notable for their depiction of narrow valleys, rushing streams, and dense cedar forests. Arauji (also written Araoji) is one of the distinct spa villages within the Shiobara valley complex, and this print likely depicts the river gorge there — a shallow, boulder-strewn stream framed by steep wooded embankments and traditional inn buildings. The vertical format typical of such valley views emphasizes the height of the surrounding slopes relative to the narrow water course below. Hasui used fine line carving to render the turbulent surface of the stream and employed a cool blue-green palette for the water, contrasting with the warmer tones of the riverside vegetation and timber architecture.