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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Walking Along the Ancient Tokaido Road: A Pilgrim’s Path: Adventures and Transformations (Vol. 3: New Beginnings) by Ichiro Asanuma follows the final stage of a long personal pilgrimage from Kuwana to Kyoto along Japan’s historic Tokaido Road. The book blends travel writing, cultural history, memoir, and philosophical reflection as Asanuma revisits the ancient route years after beginning the journey. Set during the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the narrative captures quiet towns, shuttered businesses, mountain paths, shrines, ferry ports, and lakeside villages while also exploring the emotional meaning of travel itself. Asanuma reflects on the obligations people carry, life’s unpredictability, and the importance of moving forward even when the path feels uncertain. The journey introduces readers to tanuki legends, Shigaraki pottery, Buddhist symbolism, ninja history, and the changing character of towns shaped by modern economics and centuries of tradition.
Walking Along the Ancient Tokaido Road: A Pilgrim’s Path is written in a calm, meditative style that matches the rhythm of long-distance walking. The prose often moves between straightforward observation and philosophical commentary, creating a reflective atmosphere that suits the subject matter. Ichiro Asanuma uses repetition, symbolism, folklore, and historical references to connect modern Japan with its cultural past. The pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to absorb descriptions of towns, temples, landscapes, and conversations without feeling rushed. The photographs and visual elements throughout strengthen the sense of place and help readers follow the physical route of the journey. Readers who enjoy travel memoirs, Japanese history, cultural commentary, and introspective nonfiction will enjoy the book’s thoughtful structure and attention to detail. Fans of authors such as Pico Iyer will find much to love in Ichiro Asanuma’s reflective approach to travel writing.
