Beginner's Guide to Japan

From the acclaimed author of The Art of Stillness--one of our most engaging and discerning travel writers--a unique, indispensable guide to the enigma of contemporary Japan.

After 32 years in Japan, Pico Iyer can use everything from anime to Oscar Wilde to show how his adopted home is both hauntingly familiar, and the strangest place on earth. "Arguably the world's greatest living travel writer." (Outside) He draws on readings, reflections, and conversations with Japanese friends to illuminate an unknown place for newcomers, and to give longtime residents a look at their home through fresh eyes. A Beginner's Guide to Japan is a playful and profound guidebook full of surprising, brief, incisive glimpses into Japanese culture. Iyer's adventures and observations as he travels from a meditation-hall to a love-hotel, from West Point to Kyoto Station make for a constantly surprising series of provocations guaranteed to pique the interest and curiosity of those who don't know Japan, and to remind those who do of the wide range of fascinations the country and culture contain.

De la apreciatul autor al The Art of Stillness - unul dintre cei mai atragatori si mai priceputi scriitori de calatorie - un ghid unic, indispensabil pentru enigma Japoniei contemporane. Dupa 32 de ani in Japonia, Pico Iyer poate folosi totul, de la anime la Oscar Wilde pentru a arata cum casa lui adoptiva este atat de familiar, si cel mai ciudat loc de pe pamant.