New Book Offers a Deep Dive into Japan Beyond Tourist Hotspots

Chris Broad's latest book, "Journey Across Japan," invites readers to explore the less-traveled regions of the country, moving beyond the typical tourist routes of Tokyo and Kyoto. Broad, who gained a following through his YouTube channel documenting his life in Japan, has spent over a decade immersing himself in his adopted home.

The book chronicles Broad's extensive travels across Japan, utilizing not only the famed Shinkansen bullet trains but also personal journeys by bicycle through mountains and valleys. This approach aims to reveal a side of Japan that many international visitors miss, as a significant portion of tourists confine their experiences to a limited number of cities.

"Journey Across Japan" blends travelogue, guidebook, and memoir elements. It begins in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido, described as Japan's last great wilderness, and concludes in the southern islands of Okinawa, known for its exceptionally clear waters. Broad's adventures often center on culinary discoveries. He highlights unique dishes such as black garlic, aged for weeks to develop a complex flavor, and a traditional method of cooking fish broth with heated volcanic stones.

For those interested in Japanese cuisine, Broad recommends Matsusaka steak over Kobe beef, describing it as a luxurious culinary experience. He also shares a personal favorite, chicken nanban, a dish of fried, battered chicken coated in mayonnaise and tartar sauce.

The book also provides practical advice for potential travelers. Broad suggests that Kyoto is often overcrowded and can be less welcoming than other destinations. Instead, he recommends Takayama in the Japanese Alps, offering historical preservation and alpine scenery with fewer crowds. He describes the ascent of Mount Fuji as a challenging, unvarying climb, but acknowledges the profound experience of witnessing a sunrise from its summit.

Broad emphasizes the vastness and complexity of Japan, a nation composed of approximately 14,000 islands, suggesting that a single lifetime is insufficient to fully appreciate its entirety. "Journey Across Japan" is presented as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to understand Japan more deeply and explore its less-visited locales.