Matthew Baxter

I won this through the LT Early Reviewer's program. This book is VERY clever. I was last in Tokyo ~17 years ago, (so we didn't have Google maps or smartphones yet) and I used only guidebooks and a printed book of maps to get around. Now that both these things exist, this book does a great job of incorporating links to pre-delineated Google directions for each of the routes. Each route also has points of interest, with lots of inexpensive food options (the author states that he's committed to show more keeping the route info updated, which is rare for guidebooks, as they can easily go out-of-date). I was also excited to see some of the more hidden places that I found during my brief time in the city mentioned in the text. The images and location descriptions gave me that ~~*natsukashii*~~ feeling and made me want to hustle back to Tokyo with this book in tow. Next time I'm in Tokyo I will definitely be doing some of these urban hikes! show less

Tokyo Outdoors is compact but filled with lots of information. It’s perfect for anyone planning a trip to Japan’s capital or for armchair travelers. It contains suggested routes (including distances), a list of festivals, some Japanese phrases (including the hiragana) and a wealth of maps of the city and subway. These maps are accessible from Google Maps via the QR codes throughout the book. Both popular tourist destinations and lesser known sites are featured. Locations of cherry show more blossoms are clearly marked. Most routes are just two pages but Baxter includes what to see, how to get there, hours of operation and any costs (in yen) and discounts as well as shopping opportunities. He doesn’t forget to point out where to get a snack or a meal. He has spent a number of years living in Tokyo so he has a good handle on where to go for what. There are small black and white photographs (in color in the Kindle version) as well as an index. This was a fun read. If you have never been to Japan, you might want to book your flight after reading Tokyo Outdoors. show less

I wish I had had this book when I lived in Tokyo many years ago. In the year that I lived there, I spent many days walking around the city, seeking out various sights and museums (without smartphone or Internet). I gradually discovered how the various wards and neighborhoods all have their own distinct characters, from quiet residential streets to bustling shopping districts, to verdant parks. For someone who doesn't have a year to learn their way around Tokyo, this book offers an excellent show more way to make the most of your time there, with a wide selection of walking and biking routes that will give you a feel for the wonderful variety that Tokyo has to offer. Each route in the book focuses on a specific region, with an easy-to-follow map, and descriptions of the highlights (shopping, historical sites, temples, shrines, etc.). I really appreciated the books' attention to detail, such as recommendations on days of the week to take (or avoid) a particular route. There are also suggestions on places to eat or drink along the routes. "Tokyo Outdoors" also includes some routes somewhat outside of the Tokyo area, such as Mount Takao, to the east, and Yokohama, including its famous Chinatown. If you're the type of traveler who enjoys getting off the beaten path and appreciates walking as a way to really see a city up close, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book. show less

I received this book through the Early Reviewers program.

Tokyo Outdoors is a guide to explore Tokyo and the surrounding areas by walking, hiking, and cycling. The book starts with map of the area with the routes shown on it. Next, there is a short section of essential information. The 45 routes form the main section of the book. The back of the book divides the routes by interests.

The routes start with a title, distance and whether it is best by foot and/or bike. There is a nice map with a show more QR code to open a custom Google Map. Next is a short description along with how to get to the starting point. Places of interest are indicated by a number on the map and have paragraph long descriptions. Most routes have a recommended cafe and/or meal spot. There are a couple pictures under each walk. The back of the book has a one page list of useful Japanese.

I am looking forward to doing some walks with this book. It is a good size to carry around and looks to have just the right amount of information. show less