Travel
Sesshū Tōyo, View of Amanohashidate, c. 1501
by Yoshida Kenkō
It wakes one up to go away from home for a time, no matter where. Exploring and rambling about the countryside you come upon a host of unusual sights in rustic spots and mountain hamlets. You get a messenger to take letters to the capital, and you write and say “Do not forget to send me so-and-so at the next opportunity.” All this is in its way amusing. Of course you have a thousand things to think of in such a place.
Pleasant also to slip away and go into retreat in some mountain temple.
About the Author
Kenkō (兼好, 1283–1350) was a Japanese court official, Buddhist monk, poet and essayist. ‘Travel’ comes from his Tsurezuregusa (Essays in Idleness) via Quotidiana.