Japanese Literature

Writing was introduced to Japan from China in the 5th century via the Korean
peninsula. The oldest surviving works are two historical records, the Kojiki and Nihon
Shoki, which were completed in the early 8th century. In the 11th century, during the
peak of the Heian Period, the world's first novel, The Tale of Genji, was written in
Japan.

During the Meiji Period (1868-1912), an influx of foreign texts spurred the

development of modern Japanese literature. Influential authors of the time include
Higuchi Ichiyo, whose image is on the 5000 yen bill; Natsume Soseki, who is best
known for his Matsuyama-based novel "Botchan"; and Miyazawa Kenji, a poet and
children's literature author from Iwate best known for his work "Night on the Galactic
Railroad".

Since then, Japan has maintained a vibrant literary culture, and contemporary writers
such as Kawabata Yasunari and Oe Kenzaburo have won the Nobel Prize for
Literature in 1968 and 1994 respectively.

Below are a few places in Japan where the country's literary heritage can be
appreciated:

Ehime Prefecture

Matsuyama
Matsuyama is home to three famous Japanese writers: Natsume Soseki and Shiba Ryotaro, who
both set their novels in Matsuyama; and poet Masaoka Shiki. Each author has museums,
monuments and statues dedicated to them around the city.

Kyoto Prefecture
Uji
The Tale of Genji is an 11th-century work of fiction written by a Japanese noblewoman
describing the intrigues of court life during the Heian Period. The town of Uji is
frequently mentioned in the novel, and several locations around the town are marked by
statues and plaques. Visitors can also visit the Tale of Genji Museum to learn more about
this novel that has stood the test of time.

Iwate Prefecture

Tono
Tono is well known for its collection of folklore involving legends of spirits, animals and
supernatural creatures. This rich oral tradition was eventually transcribed and collated
into a book in 1910 - the "Legends of Tono". The legends continue to be told today and
visitors can attend these story telling performances (in Japanese) at the folk
villages, museums and at some of the hotels around town.

Okayama Prefecture

Kibi Plain
The Kibi Plain was the center of the Kibi Kingdom. The area is known for the legend of
Prince Kibitsuhiko, which serves as the foundation of the famous folktale "Momotaro". The
folktale chronicles the journey of a boy, who was born of a peach (momo) and defeated a band
of ogres who were terrorizing the land. Visitors can follow a cycling route that loosely
follows the legend of Prince Kibitsuhiko, passing several important shrines, temples and
burial mounds along the way.
Shizuoka Prefecture

Kawazu Nanadaru
The Kawazu Seven Waterfalls (Kawazu Nanadaru) are seven waterfalls in the mountains above
Kawazu Town in the southeast of the Izu Peninsula. This area was also the setting of Nobel
laureate Kawabata Yasunari's short story "Izu no Odoriko" (The Izu Dancer). Visitors can
follow a walking trail with several life-sized statues of the odoriko (dancing girls)
depicted in the story. Over on Izu Oshima island, the Odoriko no Sato Museum has life-
sized odoriko models commemorating the dancers depicted in the short story.
See also our page about Japanese poetry.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English

The Japanese Literature Home Page 

Lots of English information about Japanese literature.
Introduction to history of Japan's Literature 
The history of Japanese literature.
Literary Hot List 
A long list of links to Japanese literature web sites.
Japanese
National Institute of Japanese Literature 
Official website.

Book your trip

 Hotels
 Car
 Buses
 Tours

窗体顶端
City:

Check-in:

Nights:
With:

Find a Hotel
窗体底端
Book your trip
 Hotels
 Car
 Buses
 Tours

窗体顶端
City:

Check-in:

Nights:

With:

Find a Hotel
窗体底端
Plan Your Trip: Arts and Crafts
 Architecture
 Bonsai
 Bunraku
 Calligraphy
 Contemporary Art
 Dolls
 Gardens
 Geisha
 Ikebana
 Kabuki
 Kimono
 Literature
 Noh
 Origami
 Poetry
 Pottery
 Tea Ceremony
 Ukiyo-e

Articles Japan travel news

Virtual video tours to Japan
Travel Report
Coronavirus Manners
Travel News
Active volcanoes in Shikotsu-Toya National Park
Sponsored Story
Kamakura Rediscovered: Omachi and Zaimokuza
Travel Guide
Two days in Ise-Shima National Park
Sponsored Story
Introducing Japan's World Heritage Sites
Travel News
Ten years after the tsunami
Travel News
Kamakura Rediscovered: Hase
Travel Guide
SurveyWhen do you hope to next visit Japan?
窗体顶端
Later in 2021

In the first half of 2022

In the second half of 2022

In 2023

In 2024 or later

I am not hoping to visit Japan

I am living in Japan

See ResultsSubmit
窗体底端
Anything we can improve? Let us know
窗体顶端

窗体底端
Page last updated: June 26, 2021
Destinations
TokyoKyotoOsakaNaraMount FujiHiroshimaKamakuraKobeNagoyaHakoneNikko
Regions of Japan
HokkaidoTohokuKantoChubuKansaiChugokuShikokuKyushuOkinawa
Interests
TemplesShrinesCastlesOnsenFood and DrinkManga and AnimeGardensHikingShoppingFl