The Little Book of Tokyo - (Tuttle Specials) by Simmons (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Take a photographic journey through the modern marvels and historical treasures of Tokyo with this informative, portable Japan travel guide.

In The Little Book of Tokyo, veteran photojournalist Ben Simmons continues a quest he began over two decades ago to seek out and share his creative viewpoint and insider's perspective. Small enough to carry while traveling in Japan, this book is an ideal travel companion for a Tokyo experience, whether you're planning a trip, already on your way, or merely dream of going.

A series of 50 informative mini essays are organized into four chapters:

• Tokyo's Edo Legacy
• Tokyo Towns
• City Perspectives
• Spirit of Tokyo

The Little Book of Tokyo is the perfect introduction to this enchanting, ultra-modern megacity and provides an immersive take on Tokyo combining Japanese history, photography and cultural commentary. It weaves a tapestry of the city's many unique idiosyncrasies, offering strategies for exploring the High City to the Low City, Tokyo Bay to the top of Tokyo Skytree, and the most critical places and happenings in between, including architecture, festivals, and landmarks. It also beautifully captures the many inhabitants of Tokyo, painting a rich and multi-faceted picture of this capital city.

Review Quotes

"Author and photographer Ben Simmons has lavishly illustrated the book with his glorious photography, capturing much of the essence of the Japanese culture, as well as its people, landmarks, and natural beauty." --Travel Pulse

"I have been to Japan (especially Tokyo) many times and I could still find lots of things I'd never seen before!" --The Travel Tester

"Part travel guide, part dreamy immersion, this small-scale book is divided into four parts exploring Tokyo's spirit, traditions, sights and modern offerings. You'll have insider information on shrines, temples, festivals, style, shopping, dining, Kabuki theater and Sumo wrestling at your fingertips." --Global Traveler

"The photos used in this book would easily have taken years to accumulate over the seasons, festivals, and events. This book has been a labour of love for a city where Ben's heart surely lies...Including photographs of both traditional elegance to modern high-tech and the everyday mundane, you'll see Tokyo as it really is: a land of contradictions that meld together into a city of beauty and wonder...Whether you love gorgeous photos of Japanese culture, love being an armchair traveller, or have plans to visit Tokyo in the future (perhaps for the Olympics), then I'm certain you'll love The Little Book of Tokyo." -- Castleview Academy

About the Author

Ben Simmons completed an MFA in photography and art history and taught photography at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina before moving to Japan, where he has been working as a professional photojournalist for over 20 years. His recent books include Kyoto Gardens, Japanese Architecture, Tokyo Megacity, Kyoto: City of Zen, and Tokyo Desire.