In this issue we introduce books—classic and new—on the many famous journeys through Japan documented via guidebooks and travelogues. We cover mountain hikes, old roads to Edo, ancient pilgrimage trails, an island-hopping excursion and nation-crossing peregrinations. From classic must-read travel writing such as Oliver Statler’s Japanese Pilgrimage and Donald Richie’s The Inland Sea to Japan’s most famous tale of ribaldry on the Tokaido: Ikku Jippensha’s Shank’s Mare, you’re bound to find something inspiring! We’ve also included the latest guidebooks for hiking the Japanese Alps and the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage, as well as a travelogue on the Kiso Road, essential reading for those planning to conquer those routes (whether on foot or from the arm chair). This issue’s “New Writing” (located at the bottom of the page) features an excerpt from Edward Levinson’s book: Whisper of the Land, a new short story by Renae Lucas-Hall, and Eve Kushner’s article demystifying the kanji used for visiting holy places.

Go to Issue 5: Hikes, Pilgrimages and Journey in Japan