June 2023. Following the footsteps of the great haiku poet, Basho, through forested paths and small towns of northern Japan was a delight. Through a 5 day self-guided walking tour we visited many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, including the famous Yamadera temple where you climb 1,000 steps to reach it at the top of a mountain. We feasted on traditional Japanese meals at onsens (inns) each evening and relaxed in the hot-springs baths. And in the city of Sendai we were introduced to a new sweet treat- the region is famous for their use of soybeans to make a sweet bean paste that is bright green and tastes a little sweeter than anko (red bean paste). They mixed it into malts, cookies, and of course my favorite, mochi (chewy rice dough stuffed with filling).
Here are two of Basho’s most famous haikus from his travels along “The narrow road to the deep north.”
Bitten by fleas and lice, — I slept in a bed, — A horse urinating all the time, — Close to my pillow.
In the utter silence — Of a temple, — A cicada’s voice alone –Penetrates the rocks.
Reading and thinking about Basho’s poetry, I was inspired to write a series of haiku to remember our journey.
Admiring the variety of potted plants at the front entrance to many homes and businesses in Tokyo:
Craving green beauty — To tame the concrete jungle –Potted gardens spring up
My thoughts along the path between temples through the five day walk:
Wooden prayer tablets — Chatter in the summer breeze –Spirits whispering
Pine trees grow atop — Quiet wave carved stones — Summer rain clouds scud the sky
Rain drips from green leaves — Frogs croak, birds singing — A summer chorus
Silent the lavish –Family temple of old — Nature keeps no time
My spirit smiles — Spongy brown cedar needles — Soft green moss underfoot
A bush warbler sings — Hidden in sun dappled trees — The trail curves and rises
Tiny ferns grow on — Ancient stone steps lost in leaves — Mist shrouded mountains
Those seeking divine — Answers to daily troubles — Bow and clap prayers
Late azalea blooms — color pops on temple paths — New bird songs greet me
What do I see here? — Renewing my inner youth — Defies time passing
To enjoy more of Basho’s haikus, I recommend reading the translated book: The narrow road to the deep north. Available here- https://thehaikufoundation.org/omeka/files/original/319f2e52013703df7f135854dc72961b.pdf
BlueMarble notes 