On May 16, 1689, Basho and his pupil Sora KAWAI left Saitoan (Basho's hermitage) in Fukagawa, Edo (presently Koto Ward) to begin the journey to north and on his departure, Basho composed the poem reading, 'The spring is passing – the birds all mourn and fishes' eyes are wet with tears.'
芭蕉が弟子の河合曾良を伴って、元禄2年3月27日(旧暦)（新暦1689年5月16日）に江戸深川(江東区)の採荼庵を出発した（行く春や鳥啼魚の目は泪）。