The Narrow Road of Oku

In the spring of 1689, Basho set off from Tokyo on a now-famous pilgrimage: this epic walk, spanning about 1500 miles, took him to the deep north of Honshu, and then back along the island’s western coast and finally down to Lake Biwa. Along his route he encountered friends and fellow travelers, the changing seasons and terrains, renowned sites (temples, waterfalls, landmarks), a few perils, and many enthralling moments of total peace, delight, beauty, and introspection.

Basho—Zen Buddhist, ardent walker, master of the haiku—follows the calling of the road, finding incredible joy in his freedom and drinking in brief glimmers of transient perfection.