{"product_id":"a-beginners-guide-to-japan","title":"A Beginner's Guide to Japan","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinner of the Edward Stanford Travel Memoir of the Year 2020\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eA Beginner's Guide to Japan\u003c\/i\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIyer 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?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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 \u003ci\u003eA Beginner's Guide to Japan\u003c\/i\u003e an indispensable companion for anyone intrigued by the Land of the Rising Sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Rarely in any writing on Japan is provocation so elegantly and surgically performed'\u003ci\u003e Financial Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45706045751532,"sku":"9781526611512","price":19.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781526611512.jpg?v=1725881875","url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/products\/a-beginners-guide-to-japan","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}