Diary of Antique Survey, Traveling Diary

The Traveling Diary is a record of a survey tour of antiquities in the Tokai and Kinki regions conducted by the Printing Bureau in 1879 (Meiji 12).It was written by Ryosuke Tokunou, Director General of the Bureau, and later published by his son Michimasa.
The survey was a 142-day-long journey that aimed to deepen insight into Japan's traditional culture and to use it as a reference for the products of the Printing Bureau.The Traveling Diary describes not only temples, shrines, and antiquities, but also details events that took place along the way.Ryosuke Tokunou's views on product manufacturing are also found in the Diary, which makes this collection very interesting.
The results of the survey were later compiled in publications such as "Kokka Yoho," a multicolor lithographic art book produced by the Printing Bureau, and photo albums.