You’ve probably seen it in every bookstore in Japan—the iconic guidebook series, Chikyu-no-Arukikata (Globe-Trotter Travel Guidebook). Now, its English edition has arrived!
If you’re traveling in Japan, be sure to stop by a bookstore when you find one. While most of the books are in Japanese, simply browsing through the unique selection of books and magazines can be an enjoyable experience. Even the way the books are arranged on the shelves reflects each store’s personality and the passion of its staff, giving you a glimpse into Japan’s rich publishing culture.
As you wander over to the travel section in search of inspiration, you might just stumble upon an unexpected gem. There are many types of travel guidebooks, but one that particularly stands out is Chikyu-no-Arukikata. First published in 1979, this guidebook series covers over 160 countries and regions around the world. In the days before the internet, it was one of the few trusted sources of travel information, and it continues to be a beloved companion for Japanese travelers even today.
For many years, Chikyu-no-Arukikata focused on introducing destinations outside of Japan. However, since 2020, they’ve rapidly expanded their lineup to include domestic editions. These guides cover various regions of Japan, such as Hokkaido, Okinawa, Kyoto, and Shikoku, each packed with a wealth of detailed information. As you flip through the pages, you might sense the unique perspective of Japanese travelers, along with their seriousness and playful curiosity. But of course, everything is written in Japanese. Fortunately, the wish of many foreign travelers for an English version has been answered, and now the digest version is available in English.
Although it's not available on bookstore shelves, you can read it for free as an eBook by following the link in this article.
The first English edition covers the Tokyo 23 Wards. Tokyo is divided into three main areas: the 23 special wards in the east, the natural beauty of the Tama area in the west, and the island regions. This guidebook focuses on the 23 special wards, also known as central Tokyo.
The original Japanese edition of Chikyu-no-Arukikata: Tokyo 23 Wards was published as a 480-page book. However, the English digest version extracts about 170 pages from the original. As a result, some references to page numbers (e.g., →P.178) in the text may no longer correspond to the actual pages, so please keep that in mind. Despite this, the content remains just as engaging and informative.
The opening section, filled with beautiful photography and practical transportation information, is fully included. The themed feature articles cover topics like "Anime & Manga Hotspots" and "Kappabashi Dogu Street", famous for its shops selling all kinds of cooking tools. The detailed "Area Guide" section, a hallmark of the Chikyu-no-Arukikata series, highlights popular areas such as Ginza, known for its high-end shopping and gourmet experiences, and Shimokitazawa, a cultural hub for music and theater. One of the most beloved features from the Japanese edition, the chronological "Timeline" of Tokyo’s history, is also fully preserved in the digest version, making it must-read.
Take this opportunity to explore Japan with a Made in JAPAN guidebook.
We’re also running a special survey where all participants will receive an exclusive smartphone wallpaper (available in both "Tokyo" and "Japan" versions). Read the guidebook and share your thoughts!
