This is a gorgeous guide book! We took a family trip to Japan last December and I wish I'd had this. We tried to see way too much. I like the itineraries in the back of the book, as well as the "fun facts" scattered throughout. It also mentions months/seasons that some of the locations are best seen. I would definitely consider purchasing this book for myself or someone I know planning a trip to Japan.

This is one of the best Japan guidebooks I've seen and I own 8 of them! The beautiful pictures are the focal point, some are of very well known places but most seem to be off the beaten path. Clear directions by train, bus, cab, or bike are given for each location as well. It's organized by regions and suggestions are given for different routes to take depending on the itinerary you choose.

The imagery and images popped off the page, giving me the feeling of actually being there. If I were to visit, I'd love to have this book on hand.

I was supposed to visit Japan for the first time this month, but obviously COVID-19 ruined those plans. Therefore, when I saw this book listed on NetGalley I knew I wanted to read it. Most of my planned activities revolved around Tokyo, so what I enjoyed most about this book was its suggestions for heading off the beaten track. Each entry contains an overview of the recommended area, the best time to go there, and a note on transportation/getting there, with stunning photos showing you what you can expect to see. Meanwhile, the final pages contain general information and tips on travelling around Japan and some suggested itineraries. This is certainly a beautiful book, and a useful one if you want to see Japan's natural beauty and head out of the major cities. Here and there I would have liked a little more practical information, but those kinds of details can easily be found online, so this is only the most minor of complaints about an otherwise excellent publication. 4.5 stars from me that I will round up to 5.

Until we can travel in real time, armchair travel is an escape. Anyone who has ever thought of visiting Japan will, I think, enjoy this title. The photographs are gorgeous, the book is well organized and it includes a good amount of detail. The author/photographer knows Japan well and is an excellent guide. I enjoyed the escape that the stunning photos provided.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this beautiful title. All opinions are my own.

A beautiful book, full of so much information and such wonderful photo’s. If only I could hop on a plane and see it for myself.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

The photography is absolutely first-rate! Such beautiful scenery, produced so well, capturing so many vivid colours and landscapes. I've been to Japan many times and recognise some of these areas but the more northern prefectures are largely unknown to me so it was great to see the mountains and snowy beauty of Japan. I imagine some of these areas are quite tough to get to but this serves as a fine suggestion to travellers thinking of going to the country but wanting to stay away from the big cities.

#Japan by Takashi gives a glimpse of Japan and it’s livelihood through his writing.
This book can be handy when you are planning or traveling to Japan, which is well written and briefly explained. It explains about the climate, food, places to visit and where to stay.
What makes it easy to follow the places that you want to visit as the author has organized all the places according to the regions and the best time to visit. Japan is in my wishlist that I would like to travel.

Thank you #NetGalley for giving this opportunity to read through this book.

This book was absolutely gorgeous. It found the perfect blend between photography, descriptions, and tourist info. The photos were absolutely stunning and I like that the Takashi Sato chose to feature certain areas of the country and suggest people visit in what would likely be considered the "off season." I think so often people, especially from the United States, only consider going to Japan during Cherry Blossom Season but this book really made a point to feature other seasons and other landscapes. I honestly did not appreciate the diversity of the landscape and climate until now. This book is very much focused on the natural wonders of Japan with some villages featured. If you're looking for photos of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, etc. this is not that book.

The descriptions are beautifully written. It seems likely that they were originally written in Japanese and translated to English based on some of the poeticism of some of the sentences. The words were clearly carefully chosen and added to the beauty of the photographs. Takashi Sato clearly loves his country and wants others to see what he sees.

I like that tourist info was included thought the book. The main sections have QR codes that links to additional travel information and maps on the book's website. I also appreciated that most of the pages included brief information in the book on getting there, usually stating something along the lines of "10 minute drive from suchandsuch train station." This made the locations in the book seem really accessible. Additionally, at the end there were general helps including information about Japanese customs (essentially how not to be a tacky tourist), the rail system, how to get around (by air, train, public transport, and car), and sample itineraries.

This book combined two of my favourite topics: Japan and Landscape photography. The information sheets towards the end of the book have a lot of valuable pointers for tourists which can be handy, but might feel redundant for frequent visitors.

I would love to visit Japan again! The wonderful photography gave me a bit of reprieve. My only complaint would be that it didn’t have more photos. The book felt too short and I wanted more.

Honestly, I requested this just to see the pictures. But I ended up actually liking the whole thing. I enjoyed the background information given for each place and so many of the pictures were beautiful. This was definitely a great starter guide.

In this book there are not only beautiful photos, but also directions on how to reach these places, which are not the usual recommended for tourists, and especially the reasons for going there. Very nice and useful if you could go there....

In questo libro non ci sono solo belle foto, ma anche indicazioni su come raggiungere questi posti, che non sono i soliti raccomandati per i turisti, e soprattutto le ragioni per andarci. Molto bello e utile se ci si potesse andare....

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!

This lovely book is a combination of stunning photographs of the natural wonders of the islands and an engaging travel guide.

The bulk of the book is the photographs. Each is accompanied by a short description that tells you something about the area, the landscape, or the view. Although not always in the most idiomatic English, the descriptions are charming.

The last quarter of the book is the travel guide, entitled "Good to Know." in addition to the usual basic tourist information, you'll find suggested itineraries and a table showing what activities are available in the locations pictured.

Because it stays away from the usual tourist spots, this book might not be for everyone, but it shows you a stunning Japan that is worth seeking out.

I have always wanted to travel to Japan and this guide highlights all the reasons why. This is such a beautiful rendering of a various destinations to visit. I loved that it is broken up by region, as this makes it easier to navigate. In addition, the Good to Know section at the end is a great tool to help you navigate travel in the countryside, as there are some differences from the big cities. The QR codes are helpful and link you directly to the book’s website for additional information. Each chapter begins with a beautiful picture and an insider’s advice on the best time to visit the region. Travel Notes and Why It’s Special are wonderful nuggets of information as well. Mostly, I loved the pictures, tips and accessibility of information for somewhere on my bucket list.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

This is the type of guidebook I love ! So many gorgeous photos m with information on when and how to visit these beautiful places. The last pages of the book are dedicated to useful tips about traveling in Japan, how to get around and sample itineraries. I wish I had this guide book when I planned my trip a few years ago, but definitely would be useful for the next trip.

And when you are done your trip, yo still have a gorgeous photo book !

A really beautiful book filled with mesmerizing photos of japanese scenery. This is a really well structured travel guide, several places are introduced through the book. There are accompanying texts describing the areas and giving a bit more context. I really appreciate that the locations are marked for each photo along with the recommended month to visit. There are even tips for online searches and QR codes for each location offering more help. If you plan to visit Japan and are looking for beautiful places at the countryside I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It would also be a great gift for a friend who is interested in Japan. My favorite spot is Sanuki Fuji, if I ever make it to Japan I will make sure to visit.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.

If you have always loved Japan and wanted to visit this amazing country this book is for you. I love Japan and its culture and visiting this country is one of my biggest dream. This book made me fall in love for the multiple time with Japan.
All the places that you read the descriptions about in some books are completely real or the landscapes that you see in plenty of animes do really exist and they are wonderful and superb. They are just ZEKKEI because you can't find the right words in English to describe all these amazing landscapes but Takashi Sato was able to capture their beauty in his pictures for us. I was looking at these pictures in total admiration and profound awe asking myself do these places really exist on this earth. I can understand why some of them have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This book is the best guide for you if you want to see the real Japan with its real beauty.

I absolutely loved this beautiful book. It is a very special book, much like a treasure trove of goodies. Each time I looked at one of the beautiful photographs of a place in Japan, I felt such peace, joy and happiness. It is the perfect book to read if you wish to travel around Japan, since it shows lots of different places and travel information. However, it is also a good book to read if you are just interested in finding out what Japan is like. I highly recommend this wonderful book. It is both a practical book and a fantastic high energy piece of art and creativity.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A very adequate and interesting tour guide. Photography is beautiful, and there is enough info to appease any traveller. I loved the little fun facts that occur throughout the book, they seem to bring Japan to life. Very pretty, I'd definitely revommend it.
Many thanks for my ARC.

This book offers a great voyage when you need a break from the stress of daily life. Beautiful photography and plenty of visual tips to enhance your home.

Japan: A Guidebook to Special Places is a beautifully photographed and annotated guide to destinations and sights in Japan. Released 16th Oct 2020, it's 98 pages and available in paperback format.

This is a really attractive guidebook to travel destinations full of world famous sights and places to visit in Japan. The entries are arranged roughly geographically: northeast of Tokyo, Hokkaido to Honshu, Honshu to western Japan, and Shikoku to Kyushu. Each region is further divided into specific destinations. Each of the entries contains location info with prefecture and nearby cities, directions, URLs (where applicable), features, good-to-know info, and travel planning tips. There are simple maps included with location keys highlighting possible destinations, festivals, and when/where to visit.

The photography is abundant and clear. Especially now that travel is severely limited during the pandemic it's nice to be able to dream and plan about visiting when travel restrictions are lifted. This would make a super selection for library acquisition, home use, or travel planning.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This review is written both in English and Italian.
Questa recensione è scritta sia in italiano che in inglese.

Thanks to Netgalley and Media Do International, Inc. for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I've always wanted to visit Japan. Its culture, its language, its balance of modernity and tradition, I've always been fascinated by all of it. So when I found this book by Takashi Sato available to read, I knew I had to take the chance. Not only does this book show you beautiful places in the countryside of Japan through pictures taken by the author himself, it gives you all the information you need to get there and the activities you can join so that you can live your visit in the best and most efficient way possible.
And even if you are not planning on travelling there, at least for the moment, this book is still a great opportunity to know more about Japan and its hidden jewels.

⭐4.25/5
...
Grazie a Netgalley e Media Do International, Inc. per aver messo a disposizione la copia digitale in cambio di una recensione onesta.

Da sempre mi piacerebbe visitare il Giappone. Sono sempre stata affascinata dalla sua cultura, la sua lingua, l'equilibrio tra modernità e tradizione. Quindi, quando ho trovato questo libro di Takashi Sato pronto per essere letto, sapevo di dover cogliere l'occasione. Non solo questo libro mostra luoghi bellissimi della campagna giapponese attraverso foto scattate dall'autore stesso, ma fornisce anche tutte le informazioni che servono per arrivarci e tutte le attività a cui si può partecipare così da poter vivere al meglio e nella maniera più efficiente la propria visita.
E anche se non avete nei piani di viaggiare lì, almeno per ora, questo libro è comunque una buona opportunità per conoscere meglio il Giappone e i suoi gioielli nascosti.

⭐4.25/5

Having lived for 2 years in Japan, albeit over 20 years ago, I have enormous fondness for the country, and well remember the stunning scenery and nature that I enjoyed way back when. I remember my younger self being very surprised at the time at the incredible contrast between the neon/urban (true) stereotypes of the city and the timeless, gentle impression made upon me by the Japanese countryside (inaka) and its inhabitants. This book does a great job of offering a tasteful collection of beautiful photos, many with extremely vibrant colours, and captures some of the more secluded or undiscovered parts of the country. I thoroughly enjoyed spending a couple of hours engaging in a spot of 'virtual travel', reading the short accompanying texts and can thoroughly recommend this book of nature to people who've never been to Japan or old hands alike.

With thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

Japan is a stunning country. I am sure that anyone who has been to it will agree with me on that. It is a blend of ultra-modern living with rural countryside communities that make you feel like you have stepped back in time.

We visit Japan’s 4 main islands, and on each of these we are given very different places that would most defiantly be worth a visit. Not only are these places not your usual tourist locations, you are given the best time of the year to visit and how to get to each location. This is extremely useful in planning your next trip to Japan.

Not only are you treated to finding out new and interesting places to visit, the accompanying photography is stunning. You are instantly transported to the location with only one image. This will leave you wanting more, and the only way to get it is to travel there yourself!

Towards the end of the guidebook, you are given travel guides and itinerary suggestion so that you do not have to do all the figuring out how to get from A – B. This is such a great addition that elevates this guidebook to the next level from any other guidebook on Japan.

My only complaint about Japan: A Guidebook To Special Places is that I wish it were longer! I would love to see where else may intrigue me in this stunning country.

A great way to plan where you want to go when you next visit Japan.

This guide book has a lot of beautiful landscape photographs of impressive and lesser-known parts of Japan. It also gives suggestions for every time of year, and local tips to enjoy the visits better.
It should be noted that this is not a typical guide book, listing the most popular tourist attractions to see in a limited amount of time. Instead, this guide includes pictures and some information about a number of interesting places in various regions for those who want to experience the Japanese culture and scenery from different aspects. "Good To Know" section at the end of the book provides some valuable tips which could prove very helpful. Also, each section has a QR code that provides extra information online.
It is highly recommended for those who want to have an authentic experience following their own itinerary based on their interests. Those who enjoy landscape photography and spending time in nature will also find insights in this guide. Being one of them, I certainly consider buying this book for my next visit to Japan.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc copy.

Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this book. Mr. Sato’s photography is absolutely stunning. I didn’t know how very beautiful Japan was until now. The way he describes each of the destinations is romantic and simple. It is very enjoyable to read or just to pick up and pour over the many gorgeous pictures.

An interesting and beautiful book. My daughter and I sat and read it together as she is obsessed with Japan. It would make a stunning coffee table book

excellent book to take with you if you ever visit Japan. Lots of interesting places to visit and helpful hints and possible pit falls for the traveller. My only problem is the colour in the photos is a too intense and looks a bit odd. It might just be because I have an ebook edition.

There are guidebooks to Japan and there are photography books of Japan, but this is the first book I've seen that skillfully combines both photographs and a guide.
This book is for the reader who already knows or has visited the famous usual tourist places in Japan. It takes the reader off the beaten path and to places they'd never find otherwise. The photographs are beyond gorgeous. The guide part of each section is more of an enticement than a how-to, but it is enough for the intrepid traveler to figure out next steps. I hope the author will continue with more volumes like this. It's a winner!

Splendide immagini fanno scoprire un Giappone lontano dal turismo tradizionale, un Giappone dal sapore antico
Mi chiedo, però, quanto si possano effettivamente utilizzare questi spunti per organizzare un percorso.

I NEED this physical book! I was forced (by my own hand, sure) to go through this absolutely gorgeous collection of Japanese landscape, travel advice and GET READY cultural mannerisms! I seriously love this so much and its one of those books I would have loved to have as a kid. This is an incredible gift for anyone in your life who is: passionate about travel
interested in japan (I cant be the only one with at least 5 friends who fall into that category)
interested in geography
interested in Asian cultures
is traveling to Japan soon or just one day

I really look forward to when this comes out in print. This will make a fabulous talking point or just something fun to give my coworkers for holidays.

It's a beautiful coffee table book filled with idyllic scenes from the japanese landscape. It looks more at the countryside and the homely, warm, aspects of Japan. Clearly it is targetting a very specific audience. The writing is uninspiring and dull but the photos are beautiful and it does talk about a lot of potentially visitable places. It's pretty good as a regular guide book and the last few pages with basic information for travellers could be helpful for visitors.

The travel wish is great at the moment and the fact that we can't is frustrating. So I started to seek out travel photobooks and travel compendiums planning the most elaborate journeys. This book was great and much of the photography inspiring. It certainly whiled away a lovely couple of hours.

This book has stunning photographs and simple descriptions to go along with it, which can be helpful enough for an absentminded fellow like me whose mind is always wandering. There are so many natural wonders and places of beauty that inspire in Japan, and in this book, we get a glimpse at the almost mystical beauty.

It explores places, some festivals, and popular tourist routes. At the end of the book, there are helpful lists of itineraries, activities, modes of transportation, online resources, and even a list of proper manners in the Japan countryside.

I don’t know if I will ever get the chance to visit Japan, but if I do, this book would definitely come to my mind. As for now, I will have to look at these immersing photographs and let the descriptive captions whisk me away to these inspiring places that I can only imagine.

What a beautiful book on visiting Japan!

It is divided into different regions and provides interesting and seemingly off the beaten track places to visit rather than any metropolitan areas. It provides different ways to get there, be it by train, bus or car. If there are certain events such as festivals, then it lets you know the best time of year to go too.

Also included at the rear of the book is some etiquette, tips on money and using public transport.

A definite book for anyone wanting to visit Japan and get out in their beautiful countryside.

I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.

I've always been fascinated by Japan and the Japanese culture as a whole. So, when I saw this book on Netgalley, I instantly decided to read it as soon as possible. And boy, it didn't disappoint a bit.
Starting with the focal point of the book,- the photographs are beautiful and vivid, thus capturing the reader's attention quickly. The offbeat places described in the book are perfect for anyone planning for a trip to the country. I really liked the way all places were divided into suitable groups and favourable seasons highlighted. This just makes the trip planning process easier. Even if you're not planning to visit Japan in the near future, visiting this country's picturesque destinations with the help of this book, will certainly be a delightful experience.

Not your typical guidebook! I love discovering hidden gems when traveling, and I think that this book spotlights some beautiful places with its beautiful photos. It definitely made me want to visit Japan again.

Some lovely photographs of places throughout Japan, with none of the more famous sites or tourist spots. This is a kind of off the beaten path travel guide.
It seemed more like a friend's trip photos and travel notes, and did not raise any nostalgia for Japan.

I love Japan, and I try to read most of the books about it. This book in particular would be handy for all the first time visitor of Japan. The photographs are a delight to look at, and the information is beneficial. I'd recommend this to everyone who is planning a trip to Japan; very well-made.

Review to come next week on blog/goodreads.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I really love Japan, really want to go (does anyone have a bag of money I could have?). I want to visit Tokyo, I want to visit shrines, see nature, travel through the country and see all the different things. Ah. A dream. One day. Until then I will devour books about Japan, especially when these books also have photographs. Like this one!

In this book we travel around Japan. The book is split up in 4 specific regions. On the pages you will often find travel notes or how to get there notes. Along with website links so you can do your own research as well.
We visit special sights that are often quite hidden unless you know where to go. This is also why I wanted to read the book, because I was curious what kind of beautiful spots we would visit and have me dreaming of visiting those spots. I can tell you that I loved the spots that we read about in this book. I so so would love to be able to visit them. The author has a really nice writing style, it feels like a diary, or an observation rather than most guidebooks which are often to the point, mention only important features/sights to see. In this one it is more than that. For instance the author mentions about Minuma Tanbo this: "On the bridge, people exchange greetings as they pass each other by. Fishermen carry on conversations as they dangle their lines in the river. Walkers amble through the bamboo groves, bogs and shrines nearby." It feels way more personal and it made me love the book more.

I liked that there was also basic/general information on special things in all of Japan. Like we get a part about festivals, but also local foods, and other items pop up.

I loved that in the end we get a part with some extra references, information, itineraries. That was definitely a nice addition to an already great book!

The photographs are stunning. I love how vibrant and colourful they are and how sharp their quality is. This may sound odd to mention, but I have read some photography books with grainy pictures, or pictures with bad lighting, or pictures that were blown up so they would fit a whole page. This one doesn't do that, so I think it deserves to be mentioned.

All in all, I would recommend this gorgeous book to all, and should I go to Japan one day (dreams), I will be buying this book to take with me.

Disclaimer: I would like to thank the author and publisher for providing a digital review copy of this book.

"japan" by photographer-author Takashi Sato is a beautiful visual introduction to some of the most scenic off-the-beaten-path locations in Japan. "japan" highlights 75 areas throughout Japan with stunning photography and brief informative and friendly explanations. Sato's photography shows the wonderful soothing attraction of the Japanese countryside. Nearly every shot belongs on the cover of a magazine or in an exhibition. The scenes include mountains, lakes, oceans (yes, plural), islands, flowers, autumnal colors, rivers, falls, gorges, steam locomotives, horses, Mount Fuji, hydrangea, blooming Sakura trees, festivals, fireworks, birds, traditional rice paddies, traditional architecture, waterwheels, colorful reflections, pagodas, snow, rustic villages nestled in mountains, sunsets, fog shrouded scenery, and even volcanoes.

In addition to being stunning art, this book is also a useful travel planning tool. It is not an encyclopedic reference, but rather is a high level introduction to places to visit that are not normally considered travel destinations. This is good for travelers looking for quiet solitude to appreciate nature and traditional Japan. For example, this book introduces a scenic and rustic traditional farming village called Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture and points out that it is smaller and more isolated that the more famous Shirakawago village in Gifu Prefecture. After having had coworkers and friends show me many lovely pictures for years of traditional thatch roofed homes in the mountains, I finally visited Shiragawago a couple of years back and my primary impression was awe at how many massive tour buses filled with people incapable of speaking Japanese could fit into this small hamlet. It sounds like I should have visited Gokayama instead.

There is a very good reason why flipping through the pages of this book will give the average traveler an undeniably strong urge to visit Japan. This book is published by a division of Arttrav Inc., which also offers tours to these lovely destinations. The QR codes in this book point to the firm's website, https://www.wonderlandsgo.com. I have no connections with this company, however, having lived and traveled in Japan, (and having already visited eight of the places they describe) I really appreciate that they have made the "real" off-the-beaten-path Japan accessible to travelers through this book and their travel services.

For anyone planning on traveling to Japan in the near future, this makes it easy to understand the places you should visit when there. The explanations of the sacred places and those that Japanese themselves to visit should help you to set you Itinerary for one trip or multiple travels.

Recently I have been researching Japan as I plan that to be my next vacation destination. When I came across this book on NetGalley, I had to request it.

The book with its beautiful pictures and vivid descriptions of the experiences to be had, have me more than half in love with a country I have not been to yet.

Can't wait for the world to come to some semblance for me to book my vacation in Japan.

When I opened this book and started to turn the pages, what I saw wasn't what I was expecting at all. Just page after page of breathtakingly stunning photos with clearly laid out information about each place in Japan. There was just enough information to stir genuine interest without overloading the reader. There is additional information like how to travel to each place, special features, links to online information etc., Despite there being less than 100 page, I can honestly say with hand on heart, that this is probably one of the best books I've seen of this genre. I think I've falling a teeny bit in love with Japan, despite never having been there. If I could have done, I would have jumped into its pages. Just amazing.

Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this ARC for which I have given my voluntary and unbiased review.

There's nothing like a pandemic to make one long for travel. Armchair traveling is one welcome solution and Japan: Connecting You to Wonderlands provides beautiful photos and simple recommendations for traveling in the regions and prefectures of Japan. From the hydrangeas of Kanagawa to the purple misohagi (loosestrife) of Lake Hibara in Fukushima Prefecture, from the cranes of Kushiro, on Hokkaido, or the geese of Izunuma in Miyagi, Sato captures the lush beauty of the Japanese countryside. This slender (98 pages) volume works best as a picture book that tempts the prospective traveler.

I received a digital review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This beautiful travel guide (and much more) for Japan took my breath away.
Not only does it offer a collection of some of the most beautiful and impressive landscape pictures of Japan that I have ever seen, it is also packed with a lot of helpful tips & tricks.

In particular, I appreciated the "Good to Know" (Part 5) which shares travel advice on tipping, what a ryokan is, even how to separate trash appropriately. The mentioned online references are as helpful as is the section on the modes of transportation.

This book will be my next gift for my boyfriend. We travelled to Japan together a few years back and will definitely, visit Nippon again! Thank you, for offering this beautiful book to read on NetGalley.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. Japan: A Guidebook To Special Places is a stunning blend of photography, descriptions, and travel info. Sato takes us on a tour of Japan’s 4 main islands, and on each of these we are given very different places that would most defiantly be worth a visit. Not only are these places not your usual tourist locations, you are given the best time of the year to visit and how to get to each location. This is extremely useful in planning your next trip to Japan.

The accompanying photography is stunning. You are instantly transported to the location with only one image. This will leave you wanting more, and the only way to get it is to travel there yourself! If I could jump inside the photo, I would have.

Towards the end of the guidebook, you are given travel guides and itinerary suggestion so that you do not have to do all the figuring out how to get from A – B. This is such a great addition that elevates this guidebook to the next level from other guidebooks.

This was a short but jam-packed read!

I've always been intrigued by Japan. This book is divided up by region and I enjoyed learning a little about the different areas. The photographs are beautifully done and make me want to book a plane ticket! Along with the gorgeous photos, we are given travel tips and even links to travel brochures, tourism associations and in some cases, links to live camera feeds. I really appreciate the inclusion of cultural notes on behavior, information on modes of transportation and the author's favorite itineraries. Great travel guide for anyone headed to Japan to enjoy the uniqie landscapes and culture.

Thank you to Arttrav Inc. and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This travel book includes incredibly beautiful photography. The texts contain all the usual informational travel tips and helpful facts, while also including some descritptions of nostalgic, lyrical writing that evoke the calmness of nature. Overall, a very beautiful book that only makes me want to visit Japan even more!

This is a very helpful guidebook with gorgeous photos and information about some of the the best places to visit in Japan. Each photo is accompanied by a description, including best times of the year to visit. There is also a section in the book which tells you the best ways to get to each place.

perfect book for planning your trip to Japan, off the beaten tourist track if you so wish. Lovely photographs to give you inspiration for your own shots and best seasons to visit. Suggested routes for you and also the chapters can be read in isolation or according to your interest. Hints and tips pages and a great deal of valuable travel advice. Will refer back to this book when I plan my own trip. Thank you #NetGalley

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Arttrav Inc.

The photographs in this book are so beautiful that I wanted nothing more than to step through the pages into Japan.

I loved reading about Japan. This book was a treat!

What a great book, loved the pictures. This is a gorgeous guide book! The images popped off the page.

This is a lovely travel guide filled with beautiful photos, and I want to go see every place! The areas covered in this book are not the usual touristy sites for foreign travelers; there are lots of natural sites here, with the best times to go, how to get there, and local websites if available. If I were going to Japan (which I hope to do some day), this is the first book I'd buy to take with me!

#japan #NetGalley

If you pick this book hoping to find some informations on Tokyo Disneyland, or Akihabara, I can assure you that you will find none.

Here you will find the hidden gems of Japan: the small villages not mentioned in any travel books, how to get there, what to expect to find there. And you can see Japan more clearly. The rural view, untouched by modern world. Where rice paddies and fields of flowers can still be found.

This book will guide you to the life Japanese lead. Their (good local) food, their habit, including the quietness of the night, far from city lights and amusements.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book before its publication date in exchange for honest feedback. I loved the excellent, high-quality photographs in this book. I don't know much about Japan, but having several friends who have visited and excitedly relay their experiences, I am hoping way day to visit. This book shows some of the wonders of Japan in a way that makes anyone gasp with excitement and awe. The world is so beautiful and photographers have a wonderful talent in sharing that with all of us. Great book.

One of the things I can’t do is taking good pictures. Call it performance anxiety, but when a camera comes close to my hands, they either start shaking, or they mess up the settings, or they cover the lenses, or.

It’s frustrating, that’s what it is. Mind you, none of this is gonna stop me from enrolling in a photography course sometime in the future – I am persistent – but that’s neither here nor there. That’s not the point.

The point is that I love photography. Nature, architecture, interior decor, food, (period) clothes, small towns and bigass cities, you take a good picture of them and I’ll jazzhand all over it. With added pterodactyl noises too if it’s a really, really good one.

TL;DR living vicariously through professional photographers is my jam.

So, when I saw Connecting You to Wonderlands: Japan, by Takashi Sato, I knew I had to grab it.

The cover? It’s beautiful, ça va sans dire. Look at it.

Yay!

- Thank you, Takashi, for taking me on a trip through lesser-known routes. Before starting it, I was expecting a travel book that featured big cities and staple landmarks, but! Nope! Forget Tokyo or Osaka, we’re going to the countryside, up and down the travel routes 😀

- I love the practicality of the ending notes. Quick and to the point, they’re very useful to tourists, with an eye for cultural aspects and local laws.

- The descriptive parts are interesting. They range from farming bits to Japanese culture and traditions or ways to preserve the harvest.

- I kept my comment on the meat, the actual pictures, for last, because they deserve a very special praise. They are beautiful, great angles and coloring, so evocative I stared at a couple of them for a good ten minutes, trying to pick up every detail. I’m sorry I only work with e-books, because I’m sure the printed version is even more awesome. Among my favorites, Gokayama, the Kazura Bridge, Ochai Village, and the rice terraces of Oyama Senmaida.

Nay!

- Uh. Eh. It’s short 😀 I’m really sorry it only has 98 pages, haha.

5 and well-deserved stars on GR, 9/10 on my blog. Outstanding job!

Pieces of the beautiful country that is Japan is captured in the pages of this book. If one is planning to visit Japan, this book is well worth reading.