Books by Tom Fay

Hokkaido

by Tom Fay

New from Bradt is the first ever, standalone English-language guide to Hokkaidō, Japan’s second-largest island and northernmost prefecture. Roughly the size of Maine, Hokkaidō is home to under 5% of the country’s population: a land of vast, wild expanses that demands exploration at any season – and feels a world away from Tokyo.

Penned by an outdoors-loving travel writer resident in Japan, Bradt’s Hokkaidō 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.

Hokkaidō’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, Hokkaidō 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.

Hokkaidō’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 potato chips, excellent transport links and renowned Japanese hospitality, and you can see why Hokkaidō is a thrilling and varied off-the-beaten-path travel destination, to which Bradt’s Hokkaidō guidebook is instantly the essential companion.

Lonely Planet Experience Japan

by Ray Bartlett, Craig McLachlan, Rebecca Milner, Simon Richmond, Winnie Tan, Samantha Low, Tom Fay, Lucy Dayman, Todd Fong, Ted Taylor

Lonely Planet's Experience Japantravel 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 adventure
• Local experts share their love for the real Japan, offering fresh perspectives into the country's traditions, values, and modern trends
• Trip planning tools help you create your own regional and activity-based itineraries so you can navigate Japan and connect experiences together with ease
• In the know tips help you discover even more local experiences when visiting well-known sights and landmarks
• Fun 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 views
• Handy seasonal planning calendar guides you on where to go, when to travel, and what to pack
• QR codes unlock extra digital content, know-how, and travel secrets
• Practical information on money, getting around, unique and local ways to stay, and responsible travel
• Inspiring full-colour photography and maps including a pull out map of Japan
• Covers: 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.

Lonely Planet Pocket Kyoto & Osaka

by Thomas O'Malley, Rob Goss, Tom Fay

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 PocketKyoto & 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 Building
• Exciting 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' section
• Make 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 vendors
• Essential 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 travel
• Inspiring full-colour travel photography and maps including a pull out map of Kyoto & Osaka
• Covers: 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.