Going out of your way to do something with 足を運ぶ
The expression 足を運ぶ means “to go (somewhere)” or “to make the effort to visit a place”.
This phrase often implies a sense of purpose or effort in going somewhere, rather than just casually or accidentally ending up there. It suggests that the person made a conscious decision to visit.
It’s commonly used in formal or polite contexts, such as in business or customer service, to express gratitude or acknowledgment for someone making the effort to come to a place.
It has the same usage as 「〜に行く」 and 「〜に出かけて行く」.
Literal Meaning
This expression literally translates as “to move one’s feet”.
Dictionary Definition
あることのために、わざわざ出向く。
Going out of one's way to do a certain thing.
Goo Dictionary
Further Reading
- 足を運ぶ|体の慣用句 (edewakaru.com)
Related Idioms
Examples
Coming all the way out here with 足を運ぶ

As Suwa and his friends leave Kakeru’s grandmother’s house, Suwa apologizes for the bother.
- おばあさん:
- 「いいえ こんな所まで足を運んで下さってとても素敵な時間をありがとう」
- “No, thank you very much for coming all the way here and having such a wonderful time.”
Coming all the way up here in the mountains with 足を運ぶ

A large gathering takes place in a mansion deep in the mountains, in celebration of Reika, daughter of the head of Yotsui Group. After Reika blows out the candles on her birthday cake, her father congratulates her on turning 24, then he turns and addresses their guests.
- 四井:
- 「本日は娘のためにわざわざこんな山奥まで足を運んでいただき、感謝の念にたえません!!」
- “I can't thank you enough for coming all the way up here in the mountains today for my daughter!”
- 「今後も娘共々、我が四井グループを
どうぞ よろしく!!」 - “Please be favorable to my Yotsui as well as my daughter!”