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Oliver Statler
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Japanese Pilgrimage Paperback – January 1, 1985

by Oliver Statler (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 71 ratings
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'Japanese Pilgramage' is Oliver Statler's account of walking the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a thousand-mile trek around the fourth largest island in Japan following the path of an ancient Buddhist master. It is a fascinating story of a spiritual journey that shows the many sides of Japan.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    350 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Quill
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 1985
  5. ISBN-10
    068804834X
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0688048341
  7. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quill (January 1, 1985)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 350 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 068804834X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0688048341
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.45 pounds
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 71 ratings

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Oliver Statler

Oliver Statler

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
71 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Anne P. Copeland
5.0 out of 5 stars Charming and informative
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2019
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A wonderful way to learn Japanese history. I read it while traveling through Japan, staying at ryokans, and the book enhanced my journey immensely.
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joseph michael clopp
5.0 out of 5 stars Colorful Travelogue through Japanese History
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2019
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Stop in at the Minaguchi-ya for some fresh-caught sea-bream and a side of history, culture and culinary delights. Tucked on the side of the Tokaido Road between Kyoto and Edo, this little inn has seen it all: princes, paupers, samurai and swindlers. Playing host to high and low alike, it has seen some of the most colorful episodes of Japanese history - from the Tokugawa Shogunate to the present day. You'll be so captivated and entertained, you won't even realize you're learning something new!
One person found this helpful
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Kunoichi
5.0 out of 5 stars Japanese Pilgrimage
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2011
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Reading this wonderful book I felt like I was walking not only with Kobo Daishi but with a knowledgeable friend who gave me tons of background information and insights into this famous 1400km-long pilgrimage (henro Jp.) on the island of Shikoku. It was a privilege! I agree with the praise for this book given by other reviewers, and want to mention another book that could be a companion to this one:  Making Pilgrimages: Meaning And Practice in Shikoku  by Ian Reader. This is an account in the present day, the author's last pilgrimage was in 2000. The book acknowledges the importance of the past's influence on the present, but argues that pilgrimage is not static but a continuing process. For example, he remarks on the recent popularity of organized bus tours. Traditionally pilgrims walked, taking 40-50 days. By contrast bus, taxi or private car takes only 10-12 days. There are many fascinating interviews with his fellow pilgrims, Japanese, who were very open and forthcoming about their motivation, goals, etc. He also calculates the costs of going on the pilgrimage, you might be surprised at what he reveals.

A third book  The 1918 Shikoku Pilgrimage of Takamure Itsue: An English translation of Musume Junreiki  is a very personal and individual account of the thoughts of a 24 year old Japanese woman. 1918 Japan provides the interesting background for her life and the pilgrimage.

Read all three. How has the pilgrimage changed? How has it remained the same?
12 people found this helpful
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Scott Anderson
5.0 out of 5 stars More than satisfactory.
Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2020
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Ordered this book after reading Japanese Inn by the same author. Both books have been beyond expectation are excellent insights into Japanese history and culture. This book arrived quickly and safely with no issues in shipment or packaging.
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William Carpenter
4.0 out of 5 stars The 88 Temple Shikoku Pilgrimage
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2014
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Oliver Statler's  Japanese Pilgrimage  is an account of his pilgrimages on Shikoku, an island in Japan famous for its 88 temple pilgrimage route. Statler is especially good in giving the history of the pilgrimage, describing some of the specific temples in detail, and making sense of the struggles and accommodations Japan has made between the Shinto and Buddhist religions. It is worth noting that the author states that he knows little about either religion and he makes no attempt in this book to explore or explain them.

Some parts of this book are historical fiction and not entirely convincing. Other parts are excellent accounts of Statler's own experiences. I particularly like Statler's book about traditional inns in Japan ( Japanese Inn ) which I found much more interesting than this book. However both books are worth reading for anyone interested in knowing more about Japan's history and culture.
5 people found this helpful
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Lucy W.
5.0 out of 5 stars Read it!
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2022
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A beautifully written history of a local institution. Part factual history, part historical novel, truer than any mere factual record.
2 people found this helpful
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cathy blackwell
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2018
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This book explains so much I’ve seen and wondered about while visiting Japan. It’s easy to misunderstand a culture and historical icons that are so vastly different from our own. I’d advice reading it while in Japan or shortly after returning home to help appreciate how the Japanese perceive themselves and their country in relation to their history. The first chapter or two are pretty slow, but have faith! You will soon be entranced and ready for another trip to Japan. The author does a great job of story telling and helping the reader keep track of names and places as the stories develop.
2 people found this helpful
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D. Brion Norton
5.0 out of 5 stars An Old Friend
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2017
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I was given a copy of Japanese Inn in 1962 and loved it. The book was my introduction to Japanese culture and history. Rereading it now (2017) has brought back a flood of memories and a strong desire to visit Japan once more.
It is well and tastefully written, and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a window into traditional Japanese culture.

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Top reviews from other countries

Bill Gardner
5.0 out of 5 stars A tour de force
Reviewed in Canada on September 7, 2018
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The author's technique of tying important historical events and personages with his beloved inn is both engaging and effective. Readers get a true sense of life on the Tokaido in old Japan supplemented with wonderful illustrations. This summer I made a "pilgrimage" to the original inn site in Okitsu and thoroughly enjoyed browsing in the museum that honours its memory -- complete with a showcase devoted to Statler's book. I made the short walk to the Seikenji temple that features so prominently, and viewed a couple other book-related sites including Zagyo-so Villa. I'm completely awed by the research that went into making this semi-fictional work so plausible and rewarding to read. It's one thing for someone to realize that this pleasant inn where they're staying has story potential, and quite another to do the mountain of work it took to write it well. It was clearly a labour of love.
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N.A.Lytton
5.0 out of 5 stars Memorable!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 6, 2019
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I’ve been twice to Okitsu, once before Minaguchi-ya closed as an inn in the 80’s. The book made the town alive for me! Read the book and visit the town!
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Roger
5.0 out of 5 stars Captures the atmosphere of the Japanese religous experience
Reviewed in Canada on November 23, 2018
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Moving story elegently told
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