Takamure Itsue – A Long Hike Around Shikoku

Adventure Almanac Episode 8

Takamure Itsue’s long hike around the island of Shikoku, Japan, was revolutionary in many ways. Not only did she visit 88 temples on her 900 mile pilgrimage, but she learned to observe the world in new ways and write her own story. As a young woman, everyone told her that she shouldn’t attempt the dangerous route. Hiking through the mud and rain, she gained confidence and a new perspective. The stories she wrote went on to have an enormous impact on Japanese society and redefined women’s rights. She felt that a reckless adventure into the unknown was better than standing still and proved that women were capable of anything.