日本、〒135-0033 東京都江東区深川１丁目１１−１１

In 1689, Basho set off on his epic journey right here from Saita-an (the villa of his disciple Sanpu) in Fukagawa. He parted with his friends with the bittersweet verse: "Spring passes / birds weep and the eyes of fish are tearful." A bronze statue of Basho in traveling attire stands near the foot of Umibe Bridge.

日本、〒321-1431 栃木県日光市山内２３０１

Early in his journey at Mount Nikko, Basho composed: "How awe-inspiring / green leaves, young leaves, shining in the sunlight." The verse weaves the radiant beauty of fresh spring greenery with the sacred prestige of Tokugawa Ieyasu enshrined here.

日本、〒961-0038 福島県白河市旗宿関ノ森 白河の関

Historically celebrated as the poetic gateway to the deep north (Michinoku). Basho noted: "With uneasy days piling up, reaching Shirakawa Barrier finally settled my traveling spirit." Crossing this checkpoint marked the true start of his northern expedition.

日本、〒981-0213 宮城県宮城郡松島町松島町内１１１

One of Japan's Three Great Views. Legend has it that Basho was so overwhelmed by its beauty that he couldn't even compose a verse (the famous "Matsushima ya..." was penned by a later poet). His traveling companion Sora wrote one instead. Godaido Temple, standing proudly over the bay, remains the area's iconic symbol.

日本、〒029-4102 岩手県西磐井郡平泉町平泉衣関２０２

Standing before the Golden Hall, which preserves the glorious heritage of the Northern Fujiwara clan, Basho marvelled: "Have the early summer rains / spared you, Hall of Light?" It is a heartfelt tribute to the golden radiance that survived centuries of storms and decay.

日本、〒029-4102 岩手県西磐井郡平泉町平泉柳御所１４

The historic hilltop residence where the legendary warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune met his tragic end. Overlooking the Kitakami River, Basho shed tears over the overgrown grasses and composed his most famous haiku: "Summer grasses / all that remains of warriors' dreams."

日本、〒999-3301 山形県山形市山寺４４５６−１

An ancient mountain temple reached by climbing 1,015 stone steps. Enveloped by towering crags and tranquil forest, Basho wrote: "Silence / sinking into the rocks, the cicada's cry." It is one of Japan's best-known haiku, showing how the cicadas' hum only deepens the profound stillness.

日本、〒999-6401 山形県最上郡戸沢村古口86−１

Riding down the river swollen with seasonal rains, Basho captured its rushing power: "Gathering the summer rains / swift and fierce, the Mogami River." You can still take a scenic boat tour down the Mogami Gorge today to feel the river's timeless energy.

日本、〒997-0211 山形県鶴岡市羽黒町手向手向７

A sacred training ground for mountain ascetics alongside Mount Gassan and Mount Yudono. Basho secluded himself in these mystical mountains and wrote: "Cool freshness / a faint crescent moon over Mount Haguro." A majestic cedar-lined path and a National Treasure five-story pagoda welcome visitors.

日本、〒018-0122 秋田県にかほ市象潟町象潟島２

Once celebrated as a lagoon rivaling Matsushima in beauty, Kisakata inspired Basho's verse: "Kisakata in the rain / silk tree blossoms drooping like Xi Shi in sorrow," evoking the melancholic beauty of the legendary Chinese figure. An 1804 earthquake raised the lagoon into farmland, so while the seascape is gone, Kanman-ji Temple preserves its memory.