Famous Haiku Poems

Over the years, there have been thousands, even millions of haiku poems written. Nonetheless, the best (and most famous) haiku ever written is still in the original style set forth by the Japanese.

Haiku is traditionally a form of Japanese poetry written in the pattern of 5,7,5 morae (partially similar to english syllables). Haiku is a modern revision by Masaoka Shiki of the much older hokku, the opening verse of haikai no renga.

Forms of poetry similar to haiku include: senryu, haibun, kimo, scifaiku, waka (includes tanka). If you wish to learn more about this form of poetry, check out the definition of haiku article.

With this being said, haiku is meant to bring about imagination, thought, and emotion. Since the poem is short, it comes with a bang! Or, at least the greatest haikus do.

These famous haikus listed below have lasted through the test of time. They are classic, had been read millions of times, and are still the greatest, and of course, translated into English.

Green frog,
Is your body also
freshly painted?
by Ryunosuke Akutagawa

No one travels
Along this way but I,
This autumn evening.
By Matsuo Basho

A sudden shower falls -
and naked I am riding
on a naked horse!
By Kobayashi Issa

Go here if you wish to check out more: Haiku Poetry.

These vintage writings will continue to last for generations more. You may need to read them a few times to get the full effect, but you will likely appreciate them the same as generations before and after you.