National Geographic Traveler: Japan

by BORNOFF, NICHOLAS

• ISBN13: 9780792238942
• ISBN10: 079223894X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-06-01
• Publisher: National Geographic

Summary

Nicholas Bornoff brings a long association and intimate knowledge to a country of contradictions and paradoxes that often bewilder Westerners but which Japanese take for granted. Isolated from the world until 150 years ago, Japan today comfortably blends old, new, East, West, tradition, and change. Bornoff describes the best ways to tackle Tokyo and such other must-see sites as Mount Fuji, Hokkaido and its national parks, imperial Kyoto, historical Nagasaki, and dozens of other major and lesser-known places. In-depth features discuss the fascinating contrasts between Japan's modern, cutting-edge technological facade and its ancient core, and highlight traditions such as Kodo drumming, the exquisite beauty of garden design, and the spirits and demons that animate Noh and kabuki theater. Numerous city walking tours, a hike through feudal Hagi, and a stunning array of photos and artwork compliment this exciting, insider's guide.

Author Biography

Born in London of Anglo-French parentage, author and journalist Nicholas Bornoff has been writing about Japan for 25 years. He began his career in a Tokyo advertising agency and then worked for nine years as film critic for the Japan Times, during which he contributed articles on Japanese arts and society for numerous English-language Asian journals. His non-fiction Pink Samurai: Love Marriage & Sex in Contemporary Japan was published in the U.K. in 1991 to critical acclaim. Now making his home in London with his Japanese wife and young son, Bornoff has written a book introducing Japan to schoolchildren and contributes articles, mainly about Japan, for the Guardian newspaper and many other European and U.K. publications.