Hitching Rides with Buddha Paperback – April 21, 2006

Will Ferguson one day decided to hitchhike from Cape Sata to Cape Soya, following the Cherry Blossom Front. Of course he can't remember saying that but everybody who was at the party said he said it. Maybe he was too drunk to remember. Maybe they were all lies and his friends were pulling his leg. But he went anyway, following the Cherry Blossoms as they went north. He met friends, made enemies and drank. A lot. Also ate a lot of food, which he really didn't like, and hit on women who didn't really like him. Kind of reminded me of Alan Booth's The Roads to Sata. But more whining. A journey with no real goal. The author isn't searching for anything, which is always good, because they rarely found what they were looking for and then the ending feels forced as they try to pretend that they found world peace and Buddha and love. And they didn't, but they have to sell the book, so they say they did.There is humor, some sadness and a few scenes in which the author just went nuts, because of the weather or the way he was treated. Funny, you could think a Canadian would control his temper more? In the end we just learn a lot of stuff about the Japanese people. And one author.I gave this book a 5 out of 5 because it is a good book. I wanted to take points away. I really did. For example, the author seemed to hate museums. I work at a museum so I took some offense to that. But why take it out on such a nice book? Its not the book's fault.Also the author sexually harassed a Japanese women - he rubbed his leg against her thigh. See page 332. She smiled at him, but once at the bar sat as far away as she could. Gee, no, really? Maybe she did not stop her thigh from touching your leg because the CAR was crowded? They have enough trouble on the trains with Japanese men without non-Japanese men adding to it outside the train, thank you. But is that the book's fault? Once again, no, so why blame the book?Oh, and just a reminder this is a reprint of a earlier book under a new title. Hokkaido Highway Blues was the old title. So if you have that book don't get this one. Otherwise get this one, but don't think it will give you the Answer to Life, the Universe and Everything. Maybe a few insights, like don't eat pizza toast. Oh, and remember it was published in the late 90s, so very outdated by now - don't use it as a tour guide.

An entertaining look at a foreigner in Japan. A little boring at times, but it's a long book, so that's to be expected. Beware though - this is also published as Hokkaido Highway Blues. I didn't know and bought both by accident!

I have loved this book so much! It's funny and entertaining and yet still includes so much information about the history and culture of Japan - all wrapped into the stories of the people who picked him up along his journey. This is one of my favorite books I've read lately!

Read this in the travel-book club I'm in and it made me want to go back to Japan! I thought at first it would get old hearing all the stories, but each one was different in its own way.I literally laughed at loud at many parts!I wish the book had been available on Kindle, but I did enjoy reading it a lot!

Tongue-in-cheek essays about life in Canada. Funny, at times laugh so loud, the dog jumps off the couch funny, but also serious at other times. Worth a read.

Enjoyed the satire.........needs to be updated.

Will Ferguson really delivers on his point of why he hitchhiked through Japan and shows you the side of Japan not normally shown (back roads, the people's nuances, how it feels to be a foreigner there). He also has a really great way of blending history, reporting on what he's seen, and his own opinions and feelings. Mr. Ferguson sounds like a cool guy to hang out, cracking jokes and making light of bad situations, but he also has great insight. As well, the ending to the book took me by surprise. Overall, good 'travel' book which gave me ideas of places to visit, but an even better story about self-discovery and Japan.

Awesome book, I've read it and re-read it at least four times. Having spent time in Asia as a teacher, I can say that this book was invaluable in preparing me for the different perspectives I encountered while abroad.