Little Book of Japan - by Charlotte Anderson (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This compact travel guide and pictorial is the #1 selling travel book in Japan! Packed with cultural and historical information along with charming photographs, you can take a trip to Japan to always remember.

Japan is a country shrouded in mystery, even now in the 21st century. The myriad facets that, when put together, compose the whole of this nation are impossible to capture fully. But in The Little Book of Japan, the dynamic photographer-writer team of Gorazd Vilhar and Charlotte Anderson do an admirable job of creating a celebration in words and images that encapsulates what makes this country so extraordinary.

Small and easily portable, this Japan travel guide is organized in a series of 44 highlights with photographs contained within four chapters: Cultural Icons, Traditions, Places, and Spiritual Life. Under these four overarching ideals, Vilhar and Anderson explore a wide range of topics from Japanese cultural icons and traditions to Japan's spiritual life to its unique cities and villages.

Broad enough to satisfy anyone with interest in the culture, art, and beliefs of this unique island nation, yet comprehensive enough for the true Japanophile, The Little Book of Japan is a stunning collection of photographs and thoughtful mini essays. With everything from Cherry Blossoms to Sushi, Calligraphy to Kimonos, Old Tokyo to Hiroshima, to intimate details of Buddhism and Pilgrimages, this book is a beautiful and enjoyable way to learn more about the fascinating island nation of Japan.

Review Quotes

"The Little Book of Japan provides an armchair cultural, spiritual, and monumental tour of the Land of the Rising Sun from a mostly traditional perspective. An excellent small gift for both travelers and homebodies." --Foreword magazine

"The Little Book of Japan," published by Tuttle, is great for the coffee table or backpack and will whet your appetite for a trip to Japan. Flipping through "The Little Book of Japan," you get a visual overview of all that's awesome about Japan. You will want to go if you haven't been yet, and even if you live there...you will suddenly feel the urge to cover more ground. I would go so far as to say that even after seeing photos of places you've been to, you'll want to return. Its 192 pages are, if anything, inspiring." --About.com

"Charlotte Anderson has taken on the subject of Japan, including culture, religion, history, geography, and covers it all in concise paragraphs lavishly illustrated by the photos of Gorazd Vilhar. Normally, a book with so many stunning images would be a coffee table extravaganza, but in bonsai style, The Little Book of Japan, contains its essence in 191 pages that fit within a bright red cover that is just six inches by six inches. The size makes it an easy book for the traveler to take along as a Japan guidebook, even though it is not the traditional guide to places to sleep and eat." --A Traveler's Library

"Covering a broad range of topics for the first time visitor, yet comprehensive enough for the truly Japan-obsessed, "The Little Book of Japan" is certainly not small in scope. This book offers a sneak peek into one of the world's most fascinating places." --The Japan Times

"Having spent a while living in Japan and having traveled to all of the four main islands and everywhere between, I can say that this book covers a great distance and hits most of the major stops that any tourist will see...It╞s like your own little journey through Japan." --Castle View Academy blog

About the Author

Gorazd Vilhar and Charlotte Anderson are a photographer-writer team who have resided in Japan since 1985. Vilhar is a native of Slovenia and is an art historian by education. Anderson is a cultural anthropologist by training. Together they have produced nine books on Japan and its traditional culture. Their work frequently appears in travel magazines and on the website of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).