Hadashi No Tabi

I set out to walk the length of Japan . . .

. . . barefoot . . .

. . . accompanied by my wife.

All that it takes is determination!

On 18 April, 2005, we set out.

This is one of the southernmost rice fields.

We camped in a tent two thirds of the time.

Camping wasn’t always allowed.

Here we stayed in a cabin.

Once we camped at a shrine in the woods.

But our most unusual stay was in a toilet.

Mami was in charge of the packing.

We travelled along the roads . . .

. . . and through tunnels.

In places there were paths for cyclists and walkers.

We took ferries to cross to the next island . . .

. . . or rode across bridges (by bus).

It sometimes rained.

Often at night, or in the mornings, it was cold.

Mami’s twin sister met on the way.

Most people were very friendly.

We met pilgrims too – this man was cycling.

An older man pushed this.

After 500 km, I stopped walking!

We took a break of two nights at a ryokan.

Okonomiyake was our favourite food.

Should I travel with one of these?

Or can I find a bicycle in one piece?

Bicycles are very easy to ride.

Very well, I’ll do the same as Mami.

We mostly took the coastal roads.

The Japanese are serious about preventing erosion.

They also seek forms of alternate energy.

These are dangerous, but where are they from?

Can you guess that these bushes are tea?

We camped beneath a thousand-year-old tree.

Along the way we decided to climb a mountain.

I went barefoot of course!

Mami was rather worried.

But the view into the volcano was fantastic.

These people planned to climb up too.

Finally we completed our 3200 km journey.

I felt as powerful as a sumo wrestler.

Some mementoes that I found on the road.