A Geek in Japan

 

I saw this travel guide at my local Barnes and Noble. Its pages appear similar to a comic book format but it is not a comic.  I figured that the page design would help me retain information easily so I bought it. It was published in 2019. The guidebook covers a wide array of topics in short articles accompanied by sidebars and numerous photographs. It provides a lively digest of the society and culture of Japan. The book was designed to appeal to the generations of westerners who grew up on pokemon, manga and video games. This audience description does not describe myself. However, I found the book to be a fantastic resource.

Spotlighting the originality and creativity of the Japanese, debunking myths about them, and answering nagging questions like why they're so fond of robots, author Hector Garcia has created the perfect book for the growing ranks of Japanophiles in this highly informative guide. It has sections on Japanese culture, history, work life, music, TV and movies. Each section has photos and sidebars and short articles on each topic.  The sidebars are what make the book look like a comic book. The humor also gives it that comic book feel.

I am preparing for a month long visit to Japan in 6 weeks and have read several guidebooks. A Geek In Japan has its place among them all. The information contained in the book rates somewhere between a comprehensive travel guide and light reading.  I am rating it 3 out of 5 stars.

Cool Tokyo Guide

I have reviewed several other comics from Abby Denson. She writes Japan travel guides in comic strip format. This format makes it easier for me to remember all the information that she offers. In this guidebook Denson gives more detailed information about visiting Tokyo and, boy, am I glad I read it.

In this guidebook Abby, her husband Matt, friend Yuuko and her cat Kitty Sweet Tooth show readers a restaurant where clowns drive robots and mermaids ride on sharks, fantastic shops for lovers of everything from vintage manga to dollar-store treasures, great places to take kids, famous sites both old and new, and must-visit spots and even a few spots outside the city. This guide also helps you navigate everyday life in Tokyo, such as train etiquette, trash disposal, tricky toilets, department store fitting rooms and the surgical mask phenomenon. There is also a special family travel section for those traveling with children, as well as information on ways to prepare ahead of time to make the most of your stay in Tokyo.

However, the information most needed by me has to do with JR Rail Pass. I wasn't considering a rail pass for my Autumn trip. I thought that I would take cabs and buses for places not within walking distance from my hotel. After discovering just how expensive cabs are, I have decided that I need the rail pass. It's a good thing I figured it out at this time because ordering one takes five months and it has to be purchased before your trip. I can pick up the pass upon arrival at the airport in Tokyo. Another line! The author has done a great job of explaining that the train stations have information in both Japanese and English. I wasn't expecting to see English posted on transportation hubs. In addition, I was not aware that the SIM card in my smart phone may not work in Japan. I am worried about being able to take photos and store them on the device but I have never heard anyone talk about this so I don't know what to believe. 

I love that the comic strips have dialogue in a large font.  It is easy for me to read. Also, it is amusing to read that the favorite Christmas meal in Japan is Kentucky Fried Chicken. It's a little weird but Japan does not have many Christian churches.  Most citizens follow the Shinto faith. 

The Cool Tokyo Guide is a fantastic resource and if you are going to travel to Japan, I recommend that you take a look at it.  5 out of 5 stars.

Uniquely Japan

Uniquely Japan is one of several travel guidebooks that I purchased for my upcoming trip to Japan. Most of them are in comic strip format. Three have been written by Abby Denson! She also wrote Cool Japan Guide and Cool Tokyo Guide which I will review later this month. Denson has used her own drawings and photographs in this book. There are chapters devoted to Arts and crafts, fun things to do, fashion, food, high tech toilets, Japanese creatures. and street sights.

I have learned to look down at the ground to see lavishly decorated manhole covers, pink polka-dotted backhoes, and toilets with warmable seats and blow dryers. I now know that I can get my ramen from a vending machine and I will see silly mascots promoting serious businesses and whimsical architecture for neighborhood police stations. Denson also discusses several types of sweets available in Japan, which is important to me! However, I have already begun researching sweets by ordering boxes of sweets and tea directly from Japan.

Uniquely Japan is a nice resource to have. While it is in no way a comprehensive guide, I know that there are a few things I will remember due to the comic strip format.  I am rating it 4 out of 5 stars.