Tokaido is a beautifully crafted board game that whisks players away on a serene journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes of ancient Japan. It’s a poetic experience, where each step along the Tokaido road unveils a breathtaking vista, a moment of reflection, and a sense of wonder.
As travelers, players embark on this artistic odyssey, each seeking their own unique path to enlightenment. Along the way, they encounter picturesque panoramas of cherry blossom trees in bloom, serene hot springs, rustic inns, and bustling markets. The vivid artwork captures the essence of Japan’s Edo period, immersing players in a world of harmony and tranquility.
Amidst this beauty, the game’s elegant mechanics come to life. The choices players make, whether savoring a fine meal, soaking in the rejuvenating waters of a hot spring, or meeting fellow travelers, are imbued with a sense of purpose and mindfulness.
What’s included in Tokaido?
- Game Board: Represents the Tokaido road, divided into various spaces and locations.
- Traveler Cards: Each player chooses a traveler card, which comes with unique abilities.
- Inn Tiles: Placed along the road, they offer a meal and a place to rest.
- Panorama Cards: Feature breathtaking views that players can collect for points.
- Hot Spring Cards: Provide rest and opportunities for unique actions.
- Encounter Cards: Present various characters and encounters along the road.
- Souvenir Cards: Represent items that can be collected during the journey.
- Money Tokens: Used as currency.
- Achievement Tokens: Awarded for specific accomplishments.
- Scoring Track: Keeps track of players’ points.
How to play Tokaido
Players take on the roles of travelers, and their objective is to have the most fulfilling journey by experiencing various activities and collecting memorable souvenirs. Here’s a detailed guide on how to play:
Setup
- Place the game board in the center of the table.
- Shuffle the Panorama cards and place them face-down near the board.
- Shuffle the Hot Spring, Encounter, and Souvenir cards, creating separate draw piles for each, and place them near the board.
- Lay out the Inn tiles in ascending order next to the board.
- Give each player a traveler card and the starting amount of money.
- Place all player markers at the starting space on the board.
- Set up the scoring track, placing each player’s marker at zero.
Rules for Tokaido
Tokaido is played over a series of turns, with players taking actions based on the order of the traveler’s position on the road. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each turn:
- Move Your Traveler: The traveler in the last position on the road goes first. Players must move their traveler to an unoccupied space ahead of them, but they cannot backtrack. Movement is sequential, meaning the traveler in the last spot goes first, followed by the next, and so on.
- Take Action: Depending on the space your traveler lands on, you can take specific actions:
- Village Spaces: Collect money from fellow travelers.
- Farm Spaces: Collect money by working in the fields.
- Panorama Spaces: Purchase panorama cards or complete panoramas by paying the required cost.
- Inn Spaces: Pay to stay at the inn, receive a meal, and take a hot spring card.
- Encounter Spaces: Draw an encounter card, perform its action, and keep the card.
- Temple Spaces: Donate money to the temple for points.
- Souvenir Spaces: Purchase souvenir cards by paying the required cost.
- End of Turn: After taking your action, move your traveler to the back of the line on the road.
- Repeat: Continue taking turns until all players reach the end of the Tokaido road.
Scoring: At the end of the journey, players calculate their scores based on the following:
- Panorama cards completed.
- Achievement tokens collected.
- Coins remaining.
- Encounter and souvenir cards collected.
The player with the most points wins, and their journey along the Tokaido road is considered the most fulfilling.
For the official rules, see the link below:
How to win Tokaido
- Balance Your Actions:
- While it’s tempting to focus on one type of action, such as collecting panorama cards or souvenirs, it’s crucial to balance your actions throughout the game. This approach ensures you don’t miss opportunities to gain points from various sources.
- Timing Is Everything:
- Pay attention to the positions of your opponents on the road. Try to land on spaces that benefit you while denying valuable opportunities to others. For example, if a player behind you is desperate for money, land on a farm space to take it before they can.
- Leverage Your Traveler’s Ability:
- Each traveler card grants a unique ability. Tailor your strategy to maximize your traveler’s strengths. For instance, if your ability allows you to interact with inns or hot springs more effectively, prioritize those actions.
- Panoramas for Big Points:
- Completing panorama cards can yield substantial points. Focus on acquiring panorama cards early and try to complete sets. Keep an eye on the cost of panorama cards, as it may be beneficial to secure cheaper ones first.
- Inns and Hot Springs:
- Inns provide a meal and a hot spring card, offering both immediate and long-term benefits. Staying at inns allows you to choose your position on the road, which can be strategically advantageous.
- Hot spring cards grant unique abilities and can help you maximize your actions. Try to collect them throughout the game.
- Encounter Cards:
- Encounter cards can provide various advantages, including the ability to change your position on the road, gain points, or acquire souvenirs. Don’t underestimate their value, and use them strategically.
- Don’t Forget About Temples:
- Temples provide points for making donations. While it might seem like a minor aspect of the game, donating to temples can accumulate a significant number of points over time.
- Souvenirs as Tiebreakers:
- Souvenir cards can serve as tiebreakers if players have the same number of points at the end. Consider collecting souvenirs when you’re unsure which action to take.
- Keep an Eye on Opponent’s Plans:
- Observe your opponents’ strategies and try to anticipate their moves. If you see someone collecting specific panorama cards or souvenirs, you might want to prioritize those actions to block them.
- Money Matters:
- While money is not worth points at the end, it’s crucial for acquiring panorama cards, souvenirs, and completing certain quests. Don’t overlook its importance.
- Plan for the Endgame:
- In the final stretch of the game, plan your moves carefully to maximize your points. Consider the order in which you complete quests and utilize any special abilities or encounter cards you’ve collected.