The Roads to Sata

One sunny spring morning in the 1970s, an unlikely Englishman embarked on a remarkable pilgrimage that would see him traverse the entire length of Japan. Setting out from Soya, the northernmost tip of the country, Alan Booth journeyed on foot all the way to Cape Sata in the extreme south. This prodigious trek spanned 2,000 miles and took Booth across three islands, covering a diverse array of rural landscapes far removed from the bustling metropolises of Japan.

Travelling predominantly along small back roads and shunning the well-trodden tourist paths, Booth's mission was clear: to 'come to grips with the business of living here,' after having spent most of his adult life in Tokyo. The result of his journey is captured in The Roads to Sata, a work that has since become a classic of modern travel writing. It offers a vivid and intimate portrayal of the Japanese countryside, replete with the humour and keen observations of its author.

In The Roads to Sata, readers are invited to journey alongside Booth as he encounters an eclectic array of characters. From amiable fishermen and disciplined soldiers to the vibrant bar hostesses and committed school teachers, Booth reveals a spectrum of lives that populate rural Japan. Other figures he meets include reclusive hermits, jovial drunks, and the persistently homeless, painting a rich mosaic of human experience.

Booth's narrative is interspersed with lively descriptions of the landscapes he traverses—extensive coastlines, quaint townscapes, towering mountains, and expansive motorways. The reader can almost watch baseball games, witness stunning sunrises, savour trout and Kilimanjaro beer, and hear varied folklore, poetry, and even the occasional smutty joke, all through Booth’s eloquent prose.

The true charm of The Roads to Sata lies in Booth's unique perspective. His wry wit and inimitable style, combined with an honest curiosity and affection for Japan, offers readers not just a travelogue but an insightful glimpse into the very essence of the nation. This journey is more than a geographical adventure; it is a deep exploration of a country's cultural heart, unseen by many.

Join Alan Booth on this remarkable journey through the heart of Japan, and discover the hidden narratives and unexpected beauty of a land often misunderstood and underestimated. The Roads to Sata is not just for those who love travel, but for anyone curious about the true spirit of Japan and the universal quest for connection and understanding.