Tom Fay

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.

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 slurping hearty bowls of ramen in Osaka, to seeing Kyoto's iconic 'Golden Pavilion', and hiking to the summits of the Japan Alps. 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; get to know Okinawa's favourite brew, Orion; dive into the mysterious world of Yokai and discover the kappa creatureInsider 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; Fuji Five Lakes; Central Japan Alps; Kyoto & Nara; Osaka; Kii Peninsula; Hiroshima & Western Honshu; Kyushu; Hokkaido; Okinawa & the Southwest Islands 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 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.

Billy Royal, 78, is a composer of his own brand of music, quietly living the early winter of his life. But he gets sucked into a maelstrom of world-wide consequence involving art, music, god, evolution, ancient tribes, holy grail, geology and Christmas. The story moves forward fast, sometimes sideways or up and down and back. It all takes place within three weeks.

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.

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 Dotombori, 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.

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.

A guidebook to 13 short treks and 14 day walks in the Japan Alps and on Mount Fuji. Routes are graded by difficulty and range from relatively short walks on easy terrain to strenuous mountain excursions, sometimes involving scrambling, aided sections and considerable exposure. The routes cover the North , Central and South Alps, with each chapter offering information on local bases and public transport access. Also included are the four main ascent routes on Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. The treks range from 2–8 days and the day walks from 4 to 20km (3–15 hours). 1:50,000 mapping provided for each routeGPX files available to downloadAll you need to know about visiting the Japan Alps and Mount FujiComprehensive information on the region’s excellent facilities, which include mountain huts and hot-spring baths Japanese glossary

* UPDATED FOR 2022 - Now with more content, new maps and the latest tips and advice * Must-See Japan (2022 Edition) is your up-to-date, concise and best-value guide for discovering the top sights, the most delicious foods and the essential must-do activities in this fascinating and complex country. Written by an expert who has spent many years living in and traveling all around Japan, this book is full of inside information to help you discover some of the best things on offer, from popular tourist attractions to hidden gems even the locals don't know. Offering detailed itineraries for trips lasting a week or a month, this guide will help you plan every detail of your stay in Japan. Must-See Japan includes: - Insider tips and advice on when and where is best to visit, so you won't miss a thing- Original maps for every major location- Practical information on everything from buying tickets, to entering hot springs, to Wi-Fi - Detailed itineraries for making the most of your Japanese adventure, whether it be from a couple of days to a few weeks- Travel tips and clear explanations on how to get around, including rail passes, trains and buses- Honest reviews of a variety of hotels, hot springs, restaurants and attractions- Essential app recommendations and links to useful websites- Straightforward advice on what to do and how to do it, drawing on the personal experience of the author, a long-term resident of Japan- Quickly find the information you need with the active table of contents and logical layout- Beautiful photos throughout- Unbeatable value for a guide packed with a decade's worth of firsthand and trustworthy infoAbout the authorTom Fay is a British author and freelance writer who has been living in Japan for over a decade. He has written extensively about the outdoors and travel in Japan, both online and in print, for The Guardian, Forbes Travel Guide, The Japan Times and many other media outlets. He has a keen interest in landscape photography, and is the main author of the guidebook 'Hiking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji' published by Cicerone Press (2019).

Hard Times and a Shaken Faith? Turbulent times require extraordinary faith. Or better yet, turbulent times require the faith that Jesus walked and talked for three years of public ministry. Jesus talked about a sower, a king, a slave, and a leper, yet most of us have never seen one of them. But those were the situations that people of his day understood. The author, Tom Fay, looks at the financial and home foreclosure crisis and uses it to describe the same faith that Jesus taught. So whatever your personal crisis is today, there is an answer in the faith that Jesus taught. Whether your crisis is about your health, a relationship, money, or whatever life has brought you, Jesus would tell you to have faith. This book is about that faith. Is Faith Really Relevant for My Problems? Jesus talked about the faith of a mustard seed to move a mountain into the sea. So surely our faith today should be able to move a mountain of debt. Can God pay your mortgage? Will the bank accept your "faith" for payment? Mr. Fay shows both biblically and from experience that yes, faith does make mortgage payments. Not a "Feel Good" Book This is not a "feel good" book that you will read and enjoy. It is a hard-hitting study of what the genuine Christian faith is all about. The author looks at faith as a verb and not a noun. Faith requires an action on our part - not to be confused though with "good works" - and it produces an action on God's part. Finally an Author Who Has Been There Tom Fay shares the pains, worry and doubt that confronts most of us when embarking on a life of faith. But he doesn't share it in a sterile laboratory, but in real life. He has been though it and survived. But What If This Book Could Change Your Life And after having gone through great struggles of faith we find that we have an "anchor" that holds us during the next and larger crisis. The author explains what that anchor might look like and what it can do as a life altering event.