Tōkaidō Goketsu Jūnisō

Tōkaidō Goketsu Jūnisō, written by the Japanese poet Bashō in 1689, is a poetic travelogue describing his journey along the Tōkaidō route, the vital east-west highway connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto during the Edo period. Comprising twelve linked poems, each reflects on different stations along the route, capturing imagery, local scenes, cultural insights, and personal reflections. This work blends travel narrative with poetic artistry, offering a vivid, lyrical glimpse into Japan’s landscape, society, and Bashō’s introspective journey, emphasizing the transient nature of life and the beauty found in everyday moments.