Saigyo was a hermit roaming around the country, so he made many lyric poems about the nature and scenery, as well as reminiscences based on his generous view of life.
諸国を漂泊した隠遁者なる西行らしく、抒情性の高い花鳥風月の歌や、闊達な人生観に基づく述懐が多い。