A Beginner's Guide to Japan

Winner of the Edward Stanford Travel Memoir of the Year 2020

In A Beginner's Guide to Japan, distinguished author Pico Iyer offers a captivating exploration of Japanese culture, delving into the subtle nuances and captivating contradictions that define this enigmatic country. Drawing from over three decades of intimate experience, Iyer takes readers on a journey from bustling urban centres to serene rural landscapes, uncovering the profound observations and playful insights that make Japan so beguiling.

Iyer guides us through a myriad of cultural landscapes, from the boisterous atmosphere of baseball games to the intimate spaces of quirky love-hotels. He wanders through the frenetic energy of shopping malls as well as the tranquillity of Zen temple gardens. Along the way, Iyer poses enlightening questions: How does a sushi bar explain a Japanese poem? Why do Japanese couples meticulously plan matching outfits for their honeymoons? And why do many aspects of Japanese life appear to be the opposite of Western expectations?

With his keen eye for detail and deep cultural understanding, Iyer brings to life the idiosyncrasies and traditions of his adopted home. His narrative strikes a perfect balance between the playful and the profound, offering a perspective on Japan that is as enlightening as it is entertaining. Through his prose, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and mystery of Japan, making A Beginner's Guide to Japan an indispensable companion for anyone intrigued by the Land of the Rising Sun.

'Rarely in any writing on Japan is provocation so elegantly and surgically performed' Financial Times