Tom Fay – författare

Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the ultimate short trip to Kyoto & Osaka - and discover twice the place in half the time!Discover Kyoto & Osaka's most popular experiences, must-see attractions, and unexpected surprises with our handy-sized Pocket travel guide. From taking a blissful stroll along the Philosopher's Path famous for its cherry-tree-lined canal, to grazing on gooey dumplings as you roam Osaka's Dōtombori, and blinking at the gilded brilliance of Kinkaku-ji temple.Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's Pocket Kyoto & Osaka travel guide:Our Pocket guidebook format provides you with the best insider knowledge and local know-how for planning trips between 1 - 7 days Find what you're looking for fast with this guide's all-new structure and design and navigate Kyoto & Osaka with ease Get fresh takes on must-visit sights including Nishiki Market, Gion, and Umeda Sky BuildingExciting Three Perfect Days itineraries help you to create your ideal trip with suggestions of unmissable attractions and activities to match your passions Find the local vibe on foot! Walking tours in every chapter introduce each areas personality and get you to those 'don't miss' sights Discover 'A Few Surprises' in a new feature that showcases Kyoto & Osaka's best kept secrets and rising trends Navigate public transport confidently with clear instructions and tips in our 'Getting Around' sectionMake quick travel decisions using 'Trip Planning' pages that include top pick lists and tips about what to book in advance Eat, drink, and shop like a local with extensive listings of the top restaurants, bars, markets, and street vendorsEssential information toolkit containing tips on arriving; transport; making the most of your time and money; LGBTIQ+ travel advice; useful words and phrases; accessibility; and responsible travelInspiring full-colour travel photography and maps including a pull out map of Kyoto & OsakaCovers: Kyoto - Kyoto Station & South Kyoto; Downtown Kyoto; Imperial Palace & Around; Gion & Southern Higashiyama; Northern Higashiyama; Northwest Kyoto; Arashiyama & Sagano. Osaka - Kita; Minami Get straight to the heart of this extraordinary destination and hit the ground running with Lonely Planet's Pocket Kyoto & Osaka.

Lonely Planet's Experience Japan travel guide reveals exciting new ways to explore this iconic country with insider tips from our local experts and handy planning tools so you can create your own unique trip.Discover amazing local experiences from sampling delicious street food and Japan's finest sake in Takayama's old town, to seeing Kyoto's iconic Golden Pavilion temple, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Yaeyama Islands.Build a one-of-a-kind trip with Lonely Planet's Experience Japan travel guide:Our Experience guidebook format reveals exciting new ways to explore epic destinations and plan the ultimate 1-2 week adventureLocal experts share their love for the real Japan, offering fresh perspectives into the country's traditions, values, and modern trendsTrip planning tools help you create your own regional and activity-based itineraries so you can navigate Japan and connect experiences together with easeIn the know tips help you discover even more local experiences when visiting well-known sights and landmarksFun insights will pique your curiosity and take you to the heart of the place - understand the history and etiquette of Japan's onsen culture; dive into the mysterious world of Yokai and unearth the kappa creature; discover Japan's trendy karaoke scene - whether you're a good singer or not!Insider scoop on the best festivals, secret hangouts, hidden locations, tantalising local food scene, and photo-worthy viewsHandy seasonal planning calendar guides you on where to go, when to travel, and what to packQR codes unlock extra digital content, know-how, and travel secrets Practical information on money, getting around, unique and local ways to stay, and responsible travelInspiring full-colour photography and maps including a pull out map of JapanCovers: Tokyo; Central Honshu & the Japan Alps; Kyoto; Kansai; Hiroshima & Western Honshu; Kyushu; Hokkaido; Okinawa & the Southwest Islands; plus trips and escapes to Nikko; Mt Fuji; the Lakes; and Shikoku Create your own dream travel itinerary and get away from the everyday with Lonely Planet's Experience Japan.

Discover Japan’s legendary mountain landscapes on foot, from the soaring 3000m peaks of the North, Central, and South Alps to the iconic summit of Mount Fuji. Hike through dramatic ridgelines, tranquil valleys, and remote alpine scenery, exploring a region where nature and adventure are deeply entwined in local culture. Most routes are suitable for those with moderate fitness, while the more challenging treks and scrambles are best tackled by experienced hikers. This comprehensive Cicerone guidebook features 13 short treks (2–8 days) and 14 day walks (4–20km/3–15 hours), with clear gradings (1–3) based on distance, ascent, and terrain. All four main ascent routes on Mt Fuji are included, alongside classic peaks such as Shirouma, Tateyama, Hotaka, Yari-ga-take, Norikura, and Kita-dake. The Japan Alps are best explored in summer and autumn (July to late October), with some routes and huts open from early May; the Mt Fuji climbing season is limited to July–August.The Japan Alps and Mt Fuji routes range from short, accessible day walks to demanding multi-day treks, with clear difficulty ratings based on length, ascent, and exposure.Detailed 1:50,000 mapping for every route, with downloadable GPX tracks for navigating the Alps and Mount Fuji.Stage-by-stage route descriptions, each introduced by a quick-reference box with distance, ascent/descent, access, waymarks, and special notes, make it easy to know what to expect on your hike in Japan’s Alps.Accommodation and facility recommendations for every area include a comprehensive network of mountain huts, hot-spring baths (onsen), and camping options, plus advice on planning, preparation, and essential kit for hiking in Japan.Practical information on Japan’s public transport, logistics, and getting around Honshu’s mountain regions, including guidance on rail passes, luggage forwarding, food and drink, and local hiking etiquette.Full coverage of all major regions: Northern, Central, and Southern Alps, as well as Mt Fuji, with classic routes and alternatives for custom itineraries.Fascinating insights into the region’s geology, flora, fauna, and hiking history, plus a Japanese-English hiking glossary to help you on the trail. Plan your Japan Alps and Mount Fuji adventure with this essential Cicerone guidebook and immerse yourself in breathtaking alpine scenery, welcoming mountain huts, and the enduring traditions of Japan’s great outdoors.

Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Kyoto.Discover Kyoto's most popular experiences and best kept secrets - neighbourhood by neighbourhood - from exploring the sprawling temple grounds of Ninna-ji during cherry-blossom season, to delving into the world of comics at the Kyoto International Manga Museum, and digging into lunch at Yoshikawa for a plate of the best tempura in the city.Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's Kyoto travel guide: Our classic guidebook format provides you with the most comprehensive level of information for planning multi-week tripsUpdated with an all new structure and design so you can navigate Kyoto and connect experiences together with easeCreate your ideal trip with exciting Perfect Day itineraries with suggestions of unmissable attractions and activities to match your passions, plus day trips from Kyoto so you can explore the surrounding areasGet fresh takes on must-visit sights including the gardens of Ginkaku-ji; Kyoto National Museum; and explore the sprawling temple grounds of Ninna-jiSpecial features on day trips from Kyoto, plus essays on Kyoto cultureExpert local recommendations on when to go, eating, drinking, nightlife, shopping, accommodation, adventure activities, festivals, and moreEssential information toolkit containing tips on arriving; transport; making the most of your time and money; LGBTIQ+ travel advice; useful words and phrases; accessibility; and responsible travelConnect with Kyoto culture through stories that delve deep into local life, history, and traditions Inspiring full-colour travel photography and maps including a pull out map of KyotoCovers: Kyoto Station & South Kyoto; Downtown Kyoto; Imperial Palace & Around; Gion & Southern Higashiyama; Northern Higashiyama; Northwest Kyoto; Arashiyama & Sagano plus day trips to Nara; Osaka; Himeji; Kobe; Lake Biwa; Ohara; Kurama & Kibune; Miyama; Amanohashidate  Create a trip that's uniquely yours and get to the heart of this extraordinary city with Lonely Planet's Kyoto.

Discover Japan’s legendary mountain landscapes on foot, from the soaring 3000m peaks of the North, Central, and South Alps to the iconic summit of Mount Fuji. Hike through dramatic ridgelines, tranquil valleys, and remote alpine scenery, exploring a region where nature and adventure are deeply entwined in local culture. Most routes are suitable for those with moderate fitness, while the more challenging treks and scrambles are best tackled by experienced hikers. This comprehensive Cicerone guidebook features 14 short treks (2–8 days) and 13 day walks (4–20km/3–15 hours), with clear gradings (1–3) based on distance, ascent, and terrain. All four main ascent routes on Mt Fuji are included, alongside classic peaks such as Shirouma, Tateyama, Hotaka, Yari-ga-take, Norikura, and Kita-dake. The Japan Alps are best explored in summer and autumn (July to late October), with some routes and huts open from early May; the Mt Fuji climbing season is limited to July–August.The Japan Alps and Mt Fuji routes range from short, accessible day walks to demanding multi-day treks, with clear difficulty ratings based on length, ascent, and exposure.Detailed 1:50,000 mapping for every route, with downloadable GPX tracks for navigating the Alps and Mount Fuji.Stage-by-stage route descriptions, each introduced by a quick-reference box with distance, ascent/descent, access, waymarks, and special notes, make it easy to know what to expect on your hike in Japan’s Alps.Accommodation and facility recommendations for every area include a comprehensive network of mountain huts, hot-spring baths (onsen), and camping options, plus advice on planning, preparation, and essential kit for hiking in Japan.Practical information on Japan’s public transport, logistics, and getting around Honshu’s mountain regions, including guidance on rail passes, luggage forwarding, food and drink, and local hiking etiquette.Full coverage of all major regions: Northern, Central, and Southern Alps, as well as Mt Fuji, with classic routes and alternatives for custom itineraries.Fascinating insights into the region’s geology, flora, fauna, and hiking history, plus a Japanese-English hiking glossary to help you on the trail. Plan your Japan Alps and Mount Fuji adventure with this essential Cicerone guidebook and immerse yourself in breathtaking alpine scenery, welcoming mountain huts, and the enduring traditions of Japan’s great outdoors.

New from Bradt is the first-ever, standalone English-language guide to Hokkaido, Japan's second-largest island and northernmost prefecture. Home to under 5% of the country's population, this is a land of vast, wild expanses which demands exploration at any time of year - and feels a world away from Tokyo. Penned by an outdoors-loving travel writer resident in Japan, Bradt's Hokkaido delves far deeper into this frontier land than country-wide guidebooks can possibly do. Author Tom Fay provides detailed coverage of the island's history, unique wildlife, local food, the Ainu (indigenous people), outdoor activities, skiing logistics, hiking courses and the practicalities of visiting in winter, when deep snow carpets the ground and the sea turns to ice.Hokkaido's varied landscapes include remote mountain ranges, fertile lowland plains, sweeping forests and enormous wetlands home to rare birds and other wildlife. Even for the Japanese, Hokkaido has a somewhat wild and exotic aura - place names have distinct Ainu origins and the capital Sapporo is closer to Russia's Vladivostok than to Tokyo; while the Siberia-influenced climate and wide open spaces are unlike anything found in the rest of Japan.Hokkaido's mild summers are ideal for sightseeing, cycling, camping and hiking. Why not climb the island's highest mountain in Daisetsuzan National Park - an untouched wilderness of simmering volcanoes and stunning nature - or marvel at colourful fields of flowers around Furano and Biei? In winter, you can go to snow festivals, walk on sea ice (or board an icebreaker) to explore the Sea of Okhotsk, watch flocks of sea eagles or track brown bears in Shiretoko National Park, or head to popular ski resorts such as Niseko where the huge dumps of perfect powder snow attract skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Throw in hot springs (and thus ryokan hot-spring inns), active volcanoes, speciality seafood and quirky foodstuffs such as chocolate-covered crisps, excellent transport links and renowned Japanese hospitality, and Hokkaido is a thrilling and varied off-the-beaten-path travel destination, to which Bradt's Hokkaido guidebook is instantly the essential companion.