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Ukiyo-e Map is a cultural travel application developed by an independent creator based in Japan. The app connects Japan’s world-renowned ukiyo-e woodblock prints with the modern landscapes they depict, allowing international travelers to explore Japan’s history, art, and tourism in a unique and interactive way.

Our mission is to make Japanese cultural heritage more accessible and engaging for a global audience. While most travel apps focus only on restaurants, hotels, or basic sightseeing spots, Ukiyo-e Map goes beyond standard tourism by offering a historical and artistic layer to every journey. By linking Edo-period artworks with their real-life locations, travelers can enjoy a time-travel-like experience—seeing Japan both as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries and as it is today.

### What is Ukiyo-e?
Ukiyo-e, often translated as “pictures of the floating world,” is a form of Japanese woodblock printing that flourished from the 17th to the 19th century. Famous artists such as Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige captured landscapes, kabuki actors, beautiful women, and scenes from daily life. Their works had a profound influence on Western art movements, especially Impressionism, and remain globally admired for their aesthetic and cultural value.

For travelers, ukiyo-e is more than just art—it is a cultural record that shows how historical Japan looked and felt. Ukiyo-e Map transforms these prints from museum exhibits into real-world travel guides, making the experience tangible and interactive.

### Features of Ukiyo-e Map
- **Interactive Map:** Explore a user-friendly map with pins marking ukiyo-e-related locations across Japan.
- **Past & Present Comparison:** View Edo-period artworks alongside modern photos of the same locations.
- **Search by Themes:** Filter spots by artist, region, or themes such as Mt. Fuji, shrines, temples, or cityscapes.
- **Cultural Storytelling:** Each location is accompanied by historical background and explanations of the artwork.
- **Free & Accessible:** The app is free to use and requires no registration, making it convenient for international visitors.

### Who Can Benefit?
- **Tourists and Travelers:** Add depth to your Japan trip by learning the cultural stories behind famous landmarks.
- **Students and Researchers:** Access a practical tool that combines art history and geography.
- **Local Residents:** Rediscover familiar places through the lens of traditional Japanese art.
- **Art Enthusiasts:** Experience ukiyo-e not only in museums but in the landscapes where they originated.

### Why Choose Ukiyo-e Map?
1. **Unique Value:** Unlike general travel apps, Ukiyo-e Map combines tourism with cultural heritage, providing a one-of-a-kind experience.
2. **Global Accessibility:** Designed with English-speaking travelers in mind, the app breaks language barriers and promotes deeper cultural understanding.
3. **Independent Development:** Built by an individual creator and small business owner, the project demonstrates how technology can make art and culture more approachable.
4. **Educational & Entertaining:** Perfect for both leisure travelers and cultural explorers who want more than a checklist of sightseeing spots.

### Vision
Our vision is to become a bridge between Japan’s past and present, helping international visitors experience the country not just as tourists, but as explorers of its heritage. By offering free access to cultural tourism, Ukiyo-e Map aims to support sustainable tourism, foster appreciation for Japanese art, and create meaningful memories for visitors from around the world.

In the future, we plan to expand the database with more ukiyo-e works, add multilingual support, and collaborate with local communities, museums, and tourism organizations to enhance the cultural journey.

### Conclusion
Ukiyo-e Map is more than a travel tool—it is an invitation to step into Japanese art history. By combining mobile technology with cultural content, we provide travelers with a deeper, more authentic way to explore Japan. Whether you are walking through Tokyo’s historic Asakusa, admiring the sacred mountains of Nikko, or viewing the timeless beauty of Mt. Fuji, Ukiyo-e Map enriches every journey with the spirit of Edo-period art.

Discover Japan through the art of ukiyo-e. Join us on a journey across time, culture, and landscape.