In 1689, Matsuo Basho walked out of Edo and into the north. The travel diary he brought back, Oku no Hosomichi — The Narrow Road to the Deep North — became one of the most read works in Japanese literature. The places he wrote about are still here, and most of them are still quiet.
This is the spine of our site: the stations of Basho’s route, in the order he reached them. Read one, or walk the whole road with us.
Pine islands and the bay that left Basho without a poem — station two on the Narrow Road through Miyagi. Stories from this station Matsushima Bay: The View That Left Basho Speechless Where to stay
The hot spring valley and the old barrier of Shitomae, where Basho crossed into the deep mountains. Stories from this station Naruko Onsen: Japan’s Department Store of Hot Springs Where to stay
The mountain temple where Basho heard silence — 1,015 steps above the valley in Yamagata. Stories from this station Yamadera Temple: 1,015 Steps to the Silence Basho Heard Where to stay
The river Basho descended by boat, gathering the summer rains. Stories from this station Mogami River Boat Ride: Down the Gorge Basho Made Famous Where to stay
The three sacred mountains of Dewa, where Basho slept among the yamabushi. Stories from this station Dewa Sanzan Itinerary: Rebirth on Haguro’s 2,446 Steps Where to stay