Alone with the Hairy Ainu or, 3,800 miles on a pack saddle in Yezo and a cruise to the Kurile Islands.

"Alone with the Hairy Ainu" by A. H. Savage Landor is a late 1800s travel story where the author journeys across Hokkaido, Japan, to learn about the Ainu people. He wants to understand their way of life and add to the science of understanding different cultures. The story starts with the author thinking about why he wanted to go on this tough trip by himself, mixing adventure with a search for personal understanding. Once he arrives, he quickly understands that the land is rough and comfortable places to stay are scarce. When he meets the Ainu in their villages, he writes about how they live, what they do, and what they believe, showing both interest and dislike. At first, mixing with the Ainu leads to confusion, especially when he tries to make art, which causes funny and sometimes risky situations. This beginning sets the stage for a deeper investigation of Ainu culture, as the author begins a trip packed with personal stories, bright descriptions, and smart observations.