た　お　　　　　　　　　におい
「山中や　菊は手折らぬ　湯の匂」

32. The Kikuno-yu, Yamanaka Spa

After Basho’s health was ruined, he visited Yamanaka Spa and was rejuvenated by the healing hot spring. There, he wrote a haiku in appreciation for the scent of the hot springs to replace the medical scent of chrysanthemums.

Ya-ma-na-ka ya         (Ah Yamanaka !)

Ki-ku ha Ta-o-ra-nu      (no need to pluck chrysanthemums)

Yu no ni-o-i             (scent of the hot spring suffices)

“Ah Yamanaka! I smell with enough medical effect and do not need to pluck chrysanthemums.”

Season word: Kiku =chrysanthemums (Autumn)