Tokaido Duo (2022) Board Game

Tokaido Duo is a two-player version of the popular board game Tokaido, designed by Antoine Bauza and published by Funforge. The original Tokaido game was released in 2012 and has since gained a strong following for its unique theme of traveling along the ancient Tokaido road in Japan.

Game Components of Tokaido Duo

Game board featuring the island of Shikoku

Three dice for each player, representing the artist, merchant, and pilgrim

Wooden figurines for each character

Cardboard coins and gold slabs

Tokens for wares, paintings, and other activities

Character sheets for each player

How To Setup Tokaido Duo

To set up Tokaido Duo, players begin by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects their set of wooden figurines and places them at the starting point on the board. The dice are placed within reach, and the tokens and coins are sorted and made available. The game is relatively quick to set up, with games including the initial teach taking no more than 30 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turn Structure: The first player rolls all three dice and selects one to move their corresponding character. The second player then selects one of the remaining dice, and the first player takes the last die. Players alternate roles each turn.

Character Actions:

Pilgrim: Visits temples, forests, seashores, and hot springs.

Merchant: Crafts and sells handmade wares in towns.

Artist: Paints beautiful sceneries and gifts them to passers-by.

Objective: Earn points through the adventures of all three characters. The game ends when one player accumulates six gold slabs, with the player having the most points declared the winner.

Player Experience

Playing Tokaido Duo is a serene and engaging experience, particularly suited for couples or friends looking for a gentle, competitive game. The game’s light traversal rules and simple movement mechanics make it accessible to players of all ages, starting from 8 years old. Players appreciate the game’s charming and sweet nature, noting it is entertaining without being overly competitive. However, some players find the game’s simplicity and the reliance on dice rolls can make certain rounds less engaging.

Pros

Charming and Sweet Gameplay: Players find the game delightful and relaxing.

Multiple Paths to Success: Each character offers unique ways to score points, keeping the game interesting.

Beautiful Production: The game features handsome artwork and clear iconography.

Quick Playtime: Games last between 20 to 30 minutes.

Easy to Learn: Despite some initial complexity, the game is generally easy to grasp after the first play.

Cons

Simplicity: Some players find the game too simple and lacking in depth.

Dice Roll Dependency: The game can drag if dice rolls are unfavorable.

Blocking Mechanism: The blocking aspect of the game can be frustrating when players are limited by their opponent’s moves.

Personal Thoughts on Tokaido Duo

Tokaido Duo is ideal for couples, friends, or roommates seeking a light, yet engaging two-player game. It is perfect for those looking for a peaceful and calming gaming experience that still offers a touch of strategy. While it may not be the best fit for players seeking complex gameplay or high competition, it serves as a delightful diversion from more rules-heavy games. If you enjoy travel-themed games or are a fan of the original Tokaido, you will likely find Tokaido Duo to be a charming addition to your game collection.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.