Walking the Kiso Road: A Modern-Day Exploration of Old Japan

Step back into old Japan with this fascinating travelogue of the famous Kiso Road, an ancient route used by samurai and warlords

The Kisoji, which runs through the Kiso Valley in the Japanese Alps, has been in use since at least 701 C.E. In the seventeenth century, it was the route that the daimyo (warlords) used for their biennial trips--along with their samurai and porters--to the new capital of Edo (now Tokyo). The natural beauty of the route is renowned--and famously inspired the landscapes of Hiroshige, as well as the work of many other artists and writers.

William Scott Wilson, esteemed translator of samurai philosophy, has walked the road several times and is a delightful and expert guide to this popular tourist destination; he shares its rich history and lore, literary and artistic significance, cuisine and architecture, as well as his own experiences.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Shambhala
Published: 10/13/2015
ISBN: 9781611801255
Pages: 288
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.70h x 5.50w x 0.60d

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 08/31/2015
Library Journal 09/15/2015 pg. 95
Foreword 11/26/2015
New York Times Book Review 12/06/2015 pg. 47