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Ideal travel guidebook for returning visitors to Japan searching for a deeper cultural experience. Away from the bustling cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, there is a hidden Japan--where quiet, bucolic ways of life, and proudly maintained local history and traditions can be found. Japan--100 Hidden Towns is a guide to this other, off-the-beaten-track, Japan. 100 towns from all of the country's 47 prefectures--including some places which may be unfamiliar even to natives of Japan--were carefully selected and reviewed by researchers from over 150 candidate areas, with a focus on nature, culture, food, access, and key dates to visit. Interesting tidbits of local history are also included in each review's "Did you know?" section, while a taste of subjectivity and a few anecdotes are provided in the "We say" segments. This book is supported by a website (www.100hiddentowns.jp) that includes detailed maps to the attractions, and updates to help readers while on their travels. As well as providing a wealth of travel information in one attractive, easily navigable volume, the book is ideal for casual reading--deepening your understanding of Japan as you pour over the pages.
Complete with maps and extensive advice, this guide to Japan's hot springs is an invaluable resource for anyone travelling to Japan. Easier to get to than many might imagine, Japan's hidden hot springs are among the few remaining repositories of ancient Japanese ambiance and sensibility. Bucolic and charming, they bear little resemblance to the sterile, clinic-like spas of the West or to the concrete jungles of Japan's best-known onsen towns. The hot springs introduced here belong to another time but they are disappearing fast. Discover them before it's too late through this selective, personalized, and authoritative guide. In this spa guide are unbelievable gems that you would otherwise never, ever, find by yourself. Japanese people are often shocked that you found such a place. It's a very concise collection of the "true and traditional" Japanese onsen ryokan. It is for anyone who seeks a traditional experience of what onsen used to be before modernization set in.
The Resource for the Independent Traveler For over forty years Let's Go Travel Guides have brought budget-savvy travelers closer to the world and its diverse cultures by providing the most up-to-date information. Includes: · Entries at all price levels with money-saving advice for this expensive country · Must-have tips for planning your trip, getting around, and staying safe · Detailed coverage of food and drink, including a Fukuoka noodle tour · A crash course in Japanglish to help communicate with locals · Extensive coverage of the island paradise of Okinawa · Detailed maps of cities, towns, and the outdoors Featuring not-to-be-missed Experiences Cultural Connections: Sink into sake at a spectacular bathhouse theme park Inside Scoops & Hidden Deals: Save thousands of yen on flights within Japan Off the Beaten Path: Sip pineapple wine at the blissful Nago Pineapple Park Get advice, read up, and book tickets at www.letsgo.com
Discover the captivating secrets and awe-inspiring wonders of Japan with "Japan's Hidden Gems: 100 Surprising Facts About the Land of the Rising Sun That Will Blow Your Mind." This extraordinary book takes you on an unforgettable journey through the rich history, vibrant culture, and fascinating traditions of one of the world's most enigmatic nations. Uncover the truth behind the mysterious samurai warriors, learn about the incredible health benefits of Japanese cuisine, and be amazed by the mind-boggling innovations that have shaped Japan's past and present. With each turn of the page, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate tapestry of customs, beliefs, and accomplishments that make Japan truly unique. Here are just a few of the 100 remarkable facts you'll find inside: The Jōmon period (c. 14,000–300 BCE) marked the beginning of Japanese civilization, with hunter-gatherers creating intricate pottery designs that laid the foundation for Japan's rich artistic tradition. These early inhabitants subsisted on a diet of fish, wild plants, and game, and their pottery, known as Jōmon ware, is considered some of the oldest in the world. The arrival of Buddhism in Japan from Korea in 538 CE, during the Asuka period (538–710), had a profound impact on Japanese culture, art, and politics. Buddhism quickly gained popularity among the ruling class, leading to the construction of numerous temples and the creation of breathtaking Buddhist art. The Heian period (794–1185) is often considered the pinnacle of classical Japanese culture. With the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyō (present-day Kyoto) in 794, this era saw the flourishing of art, literature, and poetry amid the elegant court life of the imperial city. The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu during this period, is celebrated as a masterpiece of world literature. The Tokugawa shogunate implemented the policy of sakoku (closed country) in 1639, which limited foreign interaction and banned Christianity in an effort to maintain stability and control. This policy, which remained in effect for over 200 years, had a profound impact on Japanese society, fostering a unique cultural identity and contributing to the country's isolation from the rest of the world. The Meiji Restoration of 1868 marked the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the beginning of a new era in Japanese history. Driven by a desire to modernize the country, Japan adopted Western technology, institutions, and ideas while seeking to preserve its own cultural identity. This period set Japan on the path to becoming a modern, industrialized nation. "Japan's Hidden Gems" is not just a collection of fascinating facts; it's a celebration of the indomitable spirit and resourcefulness of the Japanese people. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, this book brings Japan's past and present to life, offering a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped this remarkable nation. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply curious about the world around you, "Japan's Hidden Gems" is an essential guide to uncovering the secrets and surprises of Japan. Don't miss your chance to embark on this incredible journey – get your copy today and prepare to be amazed! With 100 mind-blowing facts packed into its pages, this book is a treasure trove of knowledge and insight that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the Land of the Rising Sun. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Japan and discover the hidden gems that make this country truly extraordinary.
In Kansai Cool anthropologist, writer and filmmaker Christal Whelan offers profound insights in the only collection of essays to focus on Kansai, Japan's ancient heartland. Kansai--the region in Western Japan that boasts the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, the bustling commercial city of Osaka and the cosmopolitan port city of Kobe--has a character all its own, right down to its dialect, mannerisms, and cuisine. It is home to some of Japan's oldest history and an area where the country's most time-honored arts and crafts still thrive. Worldly and otherworldly, spirited and spiritual, trendy and traditional, it's a place where past and future live side-by-side, sometimes at odds. Part Japanese travel book, part cultural commentary, these 25 spirited essays and 32 pages of color photos paint a broad yet penetrating portrait of the unique Western Japan region, covering such diverse topics as: The needs of the spirit--shrines, temples and the call to pilgrimage The arts in Kansai--dance, painting, anime, and combat The relationship between hi-tech and old-tech Material culture--bikes, robots, and dolls The culture of fashion in Kansai--from kimonos and obis to modern fashion designers, and the Lolita complex The meaning of landscape-- human-made islands and the mystical power of water The hidden meaning of food--an anthropology of coffee and traditional cuisine From the deep-seated ancient beliefs of Kyoto to modern teen otaku culture, costume play and haute couture of Kobe and Osaka--Whelan delves below the surface to let readers eager to travel to Japan experience how art, science, faith and history swirl together in the Kansai region to produce this unique wellspring of Japanese culture.
We often know and recognize the skyline of cities but are completely unaware of what is hidden underground: discover the underground city in the Australian desert, learn about Canada's shopping arcades or New York's spider-web-like underground transport network. The last page features the most striking and audacious underground constructions such as the Channel Tunnel linking the UK to France.
A VIBRANT, MEDITATIVE WALK IN SEARCH OF THE SOUL OF JAPAN Traveling by foot through mountains and villages, Alan Booth found a Japan far removed from the stereotypes familiar to Westerners. Whether retracing the footsteps of ancient warriors or detailing the encroachments of suburban sprawl, he unerringly finds the telling detail, the unexpected transformation, the everyday drama that brings this remote world to life on the page. Looking for the Lost is full of personalities, from friendly gangsters to mischievous children to the author himself, an expatriate who found in Japan both his true home and dogged exile. Wry, witty, sometimes angry, always eloquent, Booth is a uniquely perceptive guide. Looking for the Lost is a technicolor journey into the heart of a nation. Perhaps even more significant, it is the self-portrait of one man, Alan Booth, exquisitely painted in the twilight of his own life.
Experience authentic Tokyo with this insider's e-guide Home to glimmering skyscrapers, timeless traditions, and one of the world's most exciting art scenes, this trendy city is endlessly enticing. But beyond the monumental Tokyo Tower and lavish Imperial Palace lies the real Tokyo: a whole other realm waiting to be explored. We've spoken to the city's locals to unearth the coolest hangout spots, hidden gems, and personal favorites to ensure you travel like a local. Join the after-work crowd in the ultimate karaoke sing-along, eat and drink into the night at a tiny Japanese tavern, and get your geek on shopping at treasure troves of anime merch. Whether you're a local looking to uncover your city's secrets or seeking an authentic experience beyond the tourist track, this stylish e-guide makes sure you experience Tokyo beneath the surface.
"The joint WHO and UN-HABITAT report, Hidden cities: unmasking and overcoming health inequities in urban settings, is being released at a turning point in human history. For the first time ever, the majority of the world's population is living in cities, and this proportion continues to grow. Putting this into numbers, in 1990 fewer than 4 in 10 people lived in urban areas. In 2010, more than half live in cities, and by 2050 this proportion will grow to 7 out of every 10 people. The number of urban residents is growing by nearly 60 million every year. This demographic transition from rural to urban, or urbanization, has far-reaching consequences. Urbanization has been associated with overall shifts in the economy, away from agriculture-based activities and towards mass industry, technology and service. High urban densities have reduced transaction costs, made public spending on infrastructure and services more economically viable, and facilitated generation and diffusion of knowledge, all of which have fuelled economic growth"--Page ix.
“[A]n excellent book...” —The Economist Financial Times Asia editor David Pilling presents a fresh vision of Japan, drawing on his own deep experience, as well as observations from a cross section of Japanese citizenry, including novelist Haruki Murakami, former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi, industrialists and bankers, activists and artists, teenagers and octogenarians. Through their voices, Pilling's Bending Adversity captures the dynamism and diversity of contemporary Japan. Pilling’s exploration begins with the 2011 triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear meltdown. His deep reporting reveals both Japan’s vulnerabilities and its resilience and pushes him to understand the country’s past through cycles of crisis and reconstruction. Japan’s survivalist mentality has carried it through tremendous hardship, but is also the source of great destruction: It was the nineteenth-century struggle to ward off colonial intent that resulted in Japan’s own imperial endeavor, culminating in the devastation of World War II. Even the postwar economic miracle—the manufacturing and commerce explosion that brought unprecedented economic growth and earned Japan international clout might have been a less pure victory than it seemed. In Bending Adversity Pilling questions what was lost in the country’s blind, aborted climb to #1. With the same rigor, he revisits 1990—the year the economic bubble burst, and the beginning of Japan’s “lost decades”—to ask if the turning point might be viewed differently. While financial struggle and national debt are a reality, post-growth Japan has also successfully maintained a stable standard of living and social cohesion. And while life has become less certain, opportunities—in particular for the young and for women—have diversified. Still, Japan is in many ways a country in recovery, working to find a way forward after the events of 2011 and decades of slow growth. Bending Adversity closes with a reflection on what the 2012 reelection of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and his radical antideflation policy, might mean for Japan and its future. Informed throughout by the insights shared by Pilling’s many interview subjects, Bending Adversity rigorously engages with the social, spiritual, financial, and political life of Japan to create a more nuanced representation of the oft-misunderstood island nation and its people. The Financial Times “David Pilling quotes a visiting MP from northern England, dazzled by Tokyo’s lights and awed by its bustling prosperity: ‘If this is a recession, I want one.’ Not the least of the merits of Pilling’s hugely enjoyable and perceptive book on Japan is that he places the denunciations of two allegedly “lost decades” in the context of what the country is really like and its actual achievements.” The Telegraph (UK) “Pilling, the Asia editor of the Financial Times, is perfectly placed to be our guide, and his insights are a real rarity when very few Western journalists communicate the essence of the world’s third-largest economy in anything but the most superficial ways. Here, there is a terrific selection of interview subjects mixed with great reportage and fact selection... he does get people to say wonderful things. The novelist Haruki Murakami tells him: “When we were rich, I hated this country”... well-written... valuable.” Publishers Weekly (starred): "A probing and insightful portrait of contemporary Japan."