Voyager defying common sense

Isabella Bird was an explorer and writer who flourished from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.



She gained a diverse range of experiences growing up due to her father's profession, which involved frequent moves to different regions. This environment allowed her to acquire a broad knowledge base and nurtured her passion for travel and exploration.

At the age of 23, upon her doctor's recommendation, she visited the United States and Canada, which marked the beginning of her travels around the world. She went on to visit various regions, including the Rocky Mountains, Sandwich Islands (Hawaii), Japan, the Malay Archipelago, Kamchatka and Tibet, Persia (Iran), Korea, and China.

Her contributions in Japan are particularly notable. In June to September of 1878, at the age of 47, she traveled to the Tohoku region and Hokkaido. The records of this journey were compiled into a two-volume book titled "Unbeaten Tracks in Japan" in 1880 and published. Her travelogue provided detailed and valuable information about the undeveloped regions and culture of Japan at the time, becoming an important resource for later researchers and history enthusiasts.

Isabella Bird's published travel accounts and records of her visits to remote areas were highly acclaimed. Consequently, at the age of 62, she was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, which was a remarkable achievement for a woman of that time. In the late 19th to early 20th centuries, women had limited social status, and exploration and travel were considered male domains. However, Isabella Bird broke free from conventional norms and pursued her own curiosity and adventurous spirit, leaving behind remarkable accomplishments.

Her travelogues and writings vividly depict the cultures, landscapes, and people's lives in the regions she visited, making them intriguing sources of information for readers. Her achievements are not only recognized in the fields of exploration and writing but also serve as a testament to the importance of women freely venturing out and exploring the world.

This journey was planned based on the position of Harry Parkes, who was the British envoy at the time. Bird earnestly responded to his request and embarked on the journey with a sense of mission. Her travelogue followed the itinerary devised by Harry Parkes, which included visits to undeveloped areas of Japan and important shrines.

Her extensive work, titled "Unbeaten Tracks in Japan: An Account of Travels on the Interior of the Mainland, Including Visits to the Aborigines of Yezo and the Shrines of Nikko and Ise," detailed her travels in Japan. This book spanned two volumes and comprised over 800 pages, serving as Bird's official report summarizing her experiences and observations in Japan.

Her travelogue was written from a more public perspective rather than a private one, resembling letters to her sister. Bird provided detailed descriptions of Japanese culture, customs, and geographical features, shedding light on the state of Japan during that era.

Isabella Bird's travel accounts are highly regarded for their wealth of information and her insightful observations. She was not just a mere traveler but someone who had a mission to contribute to cultural exchange and understanding. Her extensive writings serve as valuable resources for readers interested in Japanese history and culture. During that time, foreign residents and travelers in Japan were only allowed to freely move within a radius of 10 ri (approximately 40 kilometers) from the five open ports of Yokohama, Kobe, Nagasaki, Hakodate, and Niigata, as well as the two open cities of Tokyo and Osaka. This restricted area was known as the "Foreigners' Concession Area," and a permit called the "Foreigners' Inland Travel Permit" was required to venture into the hinterlands. Various constraints also existed.

In such a period, Isabella Bird traveled to Hokkaido with the aim of reaching the Ainu village of Shiribeshi and continued her journey to the Kansai region and Ise Grand Shrine.

The journey to Hokkaido covered approximately 1,400 kilometers overland from Tokyo to Shiribeshi and about 2,750 kilometers in total, including the return sea voyage from Hakodate to Yokohama. The journey to the Kansai region and Ise Grand Shrine covered approximately 580 kilometers overland and about 1,850 kilometers in total, including the sea voyage from Yokohama to Kobe. When combining these travels, the total distance exceeded 4,500 kilometers.



The hardships of travel during that time cannot be compared to the present day. Railway travel was only available between Yokohama and Shinbashi, and Kobe and Kyoto. The use of horses for transportation was limited to certain areas in Hokkaido. Travelers sometimes relied on rickshaws, but they often had to use carts or walk on muddy roads pulled by horses or cattle. There were also dangers involved in crossing the swollen Miya River in small boats.

During this period, there was excessive rainfall and prolonged rainy seasons, making the situation even more challenging. However, as a seasoned traveler, Bird successfully undertook the journey by accompanying Ito Tsurukichi as her attendant and interpreter, enabling him to fulfill his duties.

Ito possessed not only English language skills but also experience with Charles Maries, a British botanist. In fact, the purpose of "botanical research" was included when applying for the travel permit. Bird's journey received support from various Japanese individuals, including missionary and prominent figures, embassy officials, and consuls, among others. This support extended from government agencies such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colonization Bureau, and Ministry of Home Affairs to prefectures, officials, doctors, teachers, innkeepers, and children. Thanks to their cooperation, Bird was able to participate in winter games, funerals, and weddings in the midst of summer. Furthermore, since Bird aimed to understand and describe Ainu culture and society, the cooperation of the Ainu people in Shiribeshi, particularly Hiratora Penriuk, one of the Ainu leaders, was indispensable. This collaboration was arranged through Parks via the Colonization Bureau.

Her journey was also covered in local newspapers, informing readers that it was an inspection trip. The travel was well-prepared and the routes were predetermined according to the objectives. For example, from Nikko to Aizu, then down the Agano River by boat from Tsugawa to Niigata. The purpose of visiting Niigata, an open port, was to learn about missionary activities and uncover various aspects of Niigata's reality. The Branting map of Japan, which Bird used, was also created specifically for her under Parks' instructions.

While her journey had a purpose in Christian evangelism, Bird showed keen interest in the people she met and the landscapes she encountered. She vividly portrayed the details of her travels while expressing her candid thoughts. This ability was based on her sharp observational skills, which she had developed since childhood, and it distinguished her as an excellent travel writer.

Isabella Bird continued to travel the world and wrote numerous works. Her travelogues combined an explorer's perspective with literary talent, conveying her adventurous spirit and curiosity to readers.

Isabella Bird was a 19th-century explorer who held progressive ideas for a woman of her time, but it cannot be directly said that she made contributions to femtech (technology and innovation for women). Her main achievements lie in her career as a travel writer, documenting her experiences from journeys around the world.

However, Isabella Bird's accomplishments and persona played an important role in expanding the possibilities for women in exploration and adventure. She challenged the social constraints of Victorian-era society by embarking on solo travels around the world. Her courage and determination served as a pioneering example, encouraging women's freedom of action and participation in adventures.

The presence of trailblazers like Isabella Bird facilitated women's self-realization and the pursuit of technology and innovation tailored to individual needs, free from social and cultural constraints. In such an environment, the development of femtech and advancements in technology related to women's health have been encouraged.

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