What is Ukiyoe? Ukiyoe is an art form which was very popular during the Edo period in Japan. The word "Ukiyoe" means "a painting of this fleeting world", and beautiful women, popular actors, and impressive landscapes are often depicted in Ukiyoe. Hiroshige Utagawa, a great Ukiyoe artist. Hiroshige Utagawa was one of the greatest Ukiyoe artists.