On the Trail of a Ghost

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"The road gods beckoned." Thus the poet Matsuo Basho set off in 1689 into Japan's backcountry. His journal, Narrow Road to a ...
Basho celebrated the gauzy green of newly planted rice fields in spring in a haiku—a short, chant-like poem with nature at it...
A watery moon rises above Nanko lake, reminiscent of the moon views that Basho extolled. Comparing himself to a windblown clo...
Though a celebrated poet, Basho yearned for a simple life. On the trail he dressed as a Buddhist monk, perhaps wearing straw-...
The splash of a frog, a cricket chirping from beneath an empty samurai helmet, “the cool fragrance of snow”: Such closely obs...
Shroud-like veils of falling water on the Abukuma River evoke the ghostly presence of past poets whose words kept Basho compa...
A meditative observer, Basho paid heed to nature’s modest dramas, like a leaf floating through reflections in a mountain stre...
Basho’s route led across the Mogami River. When he crossed in July 1689, the river was swollen with rainwater and running dan...
Silhouetted against the surface of the Mogami, a fisherman carries a long bamboo rod, the same kind that was used in Basho’s ...
In his travel diary, Narrow Road to a Far Province, Basho found lyric use for the iris and its brilliant hue. Presented with ...
The poet’s samurai name was Matsuo Munefusa, but we know him by the name he adopted in middle age. That name, Basho, is Japan...
Pine, rock, and sea form an elemental vista along the Sea of Japan, where Basho endured the most difficult stretch of his 168...
A setting sun seen through fringe of pampas grass heralds the night, a time when Basho enjoyed socializing. He often lodged i...
Section of Oku No Hoso Michi, over 470 meter high Togei Pass which passes through beech forests, now in their peak fall color
Mogami River
Sunrise on Matsushima's famous pines and pine clad islands.
Natadera Temple and garden
Jogo Shrine
Jogo Shrine
IKehi no Matsubara pine trees in rain
Urami no taki, waterfall made famous by Basho's poem
Shirakawa barrier, where all travelers had to pass enroute north. Basho mentions this gate, symbolic as the beginning of the...
Basho Park along Nakagawa River, so named because Basho stayed in this area for 14 days
Natadera Temple, built more than 1600 years ago. Must have been a favorite of Basho as this temple of Shingon sect of Buddism...
Natadera Temple, built more than 1600 years ago. Must have been a favorite of Basho as this temple of Shingon sect of Buddism...
Natadera Temple, built more than 1600 years ago. Must have been a favorite of Basho as this temple of Shingon sect of Buddism...
Natadera Temple, built more than 1600 years ago. Must have been a favorite of Basho as this temple of Shingon sect of Buddism...
Natadera Temple, built more than 1600 years ago. Must have been a favorite of Basho as this temple of Shingon sect of Buddism...
Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most famous stroll gardens, built in Edo period, best known for its winding sreams, serene p...
Katanuma crater lakeabove Naruko Onsen made famous by Basho's visit
Onikobe Onsen, across the river from Naruko, another place visited by Basho
Onikobe Onsen, across the river from Naruko, another place visited by Basho
1000 Jizo statues placed in honor to the many living things that died here due to poisonous volcanic gases.
1000 Jizo statues placed in honor to the many living things that died here due to poisonous volcanic gases.
Moon scapes at Nanko Lake.
Rice paddy reflections on the road to Tome, north of Matsushima.
Rice paddy reflections on the road to Tome, north of Matsushima.
Rice paddy reflections on the road to Tome, north of Matsushima.
Moonrise on Matsushima's famous pines and pine clad islands.
Sunset over Kisakata pine islands. During Basho's time, Kisakata was a bay filled with sea water, much like Matsushima. Water...
Japanese Cedar forest at Mt. Yahiko, part of Quasi Nat'l Park. Basho visits here to see the famous shrine, located here at th...
Natadera Temple and garden
Unganji, Zen temple where Basho worshipped during his stay in Kurobane. It must have taken him more than a few days to get he...
Day 2, 160 Shinto Yamabushi climbing Mt. Haguro annually in August. Men from many countries aged from 18 to 86 travel to Yama...
Miscellaneous around Gassan, sunset with pampas grass, Mogami River, cedar trees and rice paddy.....
Miscellaneous around Gassan, sunset with pampas grass, Mogami River, cedar trees and rice paddy.....
Eiwai River falling over dam making waterfall that Basho talks about alot. The green water is due to several onsens (baths)....
Eiwai River falling over dam making waterfall that Basho talks about alot. The green water is due to several onsens (baths)....
Chusonji temple with gold covered temple, statues of Basho, Bamboo
Chusonji temple with gold covered temple, statues of Basho, Bamboo