Matsuo Bashō’s Epic Journey and the Mysteries of Oku no Hosomichi
Unraveling the Secrets Behind Bashō’s Legendary Travels and Endurance
When people think of Japanese haiku, many immediately recall Matsuo Bashō (松尾芭蕉, 1644–1694), the poet who greatly advanced this literary form during Japan’s early Edo period. Bashō, who spent his life wandering Japan, produced over 1,000 haiku that continue to influence poetry worldwide.
His masterpiece, Oku no Hosomichi (奥の細道, “The Narrow Road to the Deep North”), stands apart not just as a literary work but as a pilgrimage through Japan’s literary past. Inspired by great poets who preceded him—like Saigyō (西行, 1118–1190), the renowned Heian-era poet, and Sōgi (宗祇, 1421–1502), a famed medieval poet—Bashō’s journey retraced their footsteps, honoring their literary legacy. Sadly, Bashō’s original manuscript has never been discovered.
In 1689, at the age of 46, Bashō departed Edo (present-day Tokyo) accompanied only by a single disciple. Given the dangers inherent in travel during that era—where returning alive was never guaranteed—Bashō bid farewell to his loved ones as if facing death itself. The journey he undertook spanned the rugged terrains of the Tōhoku and Hokuriku regions, concluding eventually in present-day Gifu Prefecture. Along the way, he composed some of Japan’s most treasured haiku.
Yet, despite extensive research, mysteries surrounding Bashō’s remarkable journey persist, giving rise to legends that survive even today.
One enduring mystery involves the funding of his journey. While Bashō did receive some support from patrons and wealthy disciples, this alone would not have been enough to sustain his extensive travels. Historians estimate that, converted to modern currency, Bashō’s journey cost approximately ¥2–3 million ($13,500–$20,000 USD). Although born into a samurai lineage, his father had fallen to the rank of farmer. While relatively affluent for a farming family, their means were insufficient to finance such a journey. Thus, scholars still debate how Bashō secured the necessary resources.
Yet the most astonishing aspect of Bashō’s journey is its physical demand. To appreciate its magnitude, consider that average life expectancy in the Edo period was around 30–40 years due to high infant mortality. Even those surviving childhood typically reached their 50s or 60s, with fewer individuals living past 70. Thus, Bashō’s age of 46 translates roughly to someone in their late 60s or early 70s today, an age when most have retired and slowed down significantly.
Moreover, Bashō did not simply walk. He carried a substantial backpack weighing approximately 15–20 kg (33–44 lbs), filled with essentials such as paper, ink, brushes, clothing, medicine, and rain gear. Food supplies were unpredictable, and nights frequently required sleeping outdoors. Travel routes through Tōhoku and Hokuriku were rough, undeveloped paths plagued by bandits, bears, and wolves (the latter now extinct in Japan).
Despite these formidable conditions, Bashō averaged an astounding 16 km (10 miles) per day, ultimately covering approximately 2,400 km (1,500 miles) on foot over just 150 days. Imagine a modern senior citizen undertaking such a physically demanding journey today; it seems nearly impossible.
Typically, travelers seek to lighten their loads over time. However, Bashō’s fame attracted admirers at each destination, who gifted him items, steadily increasing his burden throughout the journey. Furthermore, Bashō undertook no rigorous physical training or special preparation. He simply embarked upon his journey, confronting hunger, harsh weather, and physical exhaustion daily.
How did Bashō accomplish such an extraordinary feat? Following his death, people began speculating about the true nature of his journey, giving rise to numerous extraordinary legends about his resilience, financial backing, and even mystical powers.
In the next article, we will delve deeper into some of these fascinating legends, exploring how they continue to shape perceptions of Matsuo Bashō and his legendary pilgrimage