Tokaido Duo is a serene but surprisingly crunchy, two-player-only reimagining of the original Tokaido — offering a layered, asymmetric experience that captures the spirit of travel and reflection while introducing previously unexpected strategic depths. We liked the original way back in 2017, but we loved the 2025 Stonemaier reprint even more, so I was curious to see how Duo would fare.
Designed by Antoine Bauza and published exclusively by Stonemaier, Tokaido Duo transports players to the Japanese island of Shikoku, where each takes control of three distinct characters: a pilgrim, a merchant, and an artist. Unlike the original game’s linear journey along a shared path, Duo unfolds on a figure-of-eight style map with different areas of interest for the three characters that each player controls. The result is a game that feels both familiar and new at the same time. The art style and themes of collection, contemplation and friendly rivalry are all still presented, whilst the map feels tight and tense in a way it never did.
Each character operates under its own ruleset. The pilgrim travels between temples, towns and forests, collecting blessings and unlocking spiritual rewards. The merchant moves from village to village, trading goods and earning coins. The artist seeks inspiration by visiting scenic locations and painting landscapes, then handing out their artworks. These roles are not just thematic but mechanical — they create distinct tactical layers, forcing the players to juggle priorities and optimize movement across a shared board.
Movement is driven by three dice which determine how far each character can travel and which actions are available. The first player chooses the first die, then the next player chooses, then the first takes the third and final die. The first player then switches round to keep things fair. Players must choose their dice wisely, as each decision affects not only their own progress but also the options left for their opponent. This creates subtle tension and interaction, especially when competing blocking key spaces come into play.
The game’s asymmetry is its greatest strength. Because each character scores points differently, players must constantly shift focus and adapt their strategy. Do you push your merchant to complete a lucrative trade route, or pivot to let your artist finish their painting and hand it out? Timing and sequencing matter, and the interplay between roles creates a satisfying puzzle that evolves over the course of the game.
Visually, Tokaido Duo is stunning. Xavier Gueniffey Durin’s artwork is delicate and evocative, with soft colors and elegant iconography that reinforce the game’s tranquil tone. The board is compact but rich in detail, and the components — including wooden character tokens and custom dice — are high quality. The graphic design is clean and intuitive, making it easy to track progress and plan ahead.
Playtime is around 20–30 minutes, and the game supports exactly two players. It’s ideal for couples or close friends, offering a thoughtful experience that encourages conversation and reflection. I’ve particularly enjoyed playing it with the calmest of our three children, and we’ve both got a lot from the experience. A solo mode has also been included, allowing players to explore the island with a single set of characters and an AI opponent. As always, this mode is of the highest standard which reflect Stoneimaier’s commitment to solo play.
Tokaido Duo is elegant and highly replayable, with outstanding, opulent production value for such a small box game. The original had a good level of production too, but the game was very light and could feel quite shallow after a few games — even if it was a generally pleasant experience. In Tokaido Duo, though, the decisions have real weight to them, and every game is a tight and tense head to head battle to score the most points. It retains the visual charm and many of the mechanics from the original, but the puzzle here is deeper and much more interesting.
Tokaido Duo is a graceful, engaging two-player game that captures the essence of travel, discovery, and quiet competition. It’s easy to learn, rich in strategy, and visually enchanting — a perfect choice for players seeking a peaceful yet rewarding tabletop journey.
Tokaido Duo is available now from Amazon.
