Classical Japanese Poetry for Travelers

Ancient Japan in Poetry

Explore Japan through verse written 1,000–1,300 years ago. Find poems connected to the places you are visiting.

40 poems across 4 prefectures

Find poems by destination

Featured poems

世の中に絶えて桜のなかりせば春の心はのどけからまし

If only cherry blossoms never existed in this world— how peaceful our spring hearts would be

Ariwara no Narihira Heian period

Kyoto · Arashiyama

嵐山紅葉の錦神のまにまにまにまかせ散るぞ悲しき

At Arashiyama, autumn's brocade Surrenders to the will of gods— How sorrowful, this scattering of leaves

Oe no Masafusa Heian period

Tokyo · Sumida River

春の夜は桜に明けてしまひけり

The spring night passes— dawn breaks soft through cherry blooms, and so it is done.

Matsuo Basho Edo period

Osaka · Naniwa (Osaka Bay)

なにはがた短き葦のふしのまもあはでこの世をすぐしてよとや

Must I pass through this life without meeting you—not even for the brief space between a reed's joints at Naniwa Bay?

Lady Ise Heian period