{"title":"Books by Steve Wide","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9781741177237","title":"Mindfulness Travel Japan","description":"\u003ci\u003eMindfulness Travel Japan\u003c\/i\u003e is the perfect travel guide to Japan when you need to breathe, pause, focus and relax.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAre you looking to step back from the stress of daily life on your next holiday? In this guide, Japan travel connoisseurs Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh offer a selection of some of the most relaxing and mindful destinations and experiences across Japan, so you can just exist in the here and now.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCovering a total of 100 mindful travel experiences, you can enjoy forests carpeted in moss, plant-based food banquets or long walks in zen gardens, losing yourself in Japan's beauty and nature. Soak in medicinal onsen waters, or have your whole body covered in a hot-sand bath, stay overnight in a traditional ryokan or zen temple. Walk the paths of philosophers and poets and hike the paths of religious pilgrims. Observe the opening of cherry blossoms, the changing of the leaves or the first flurries of snow. Take a class in calligraphy or learn the art of meditation, spend a day bicycling around ancient temples and shrines. Learn about the different varieties of Japanese tea and the art of tea ceremony.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eMindfulness Travel Japan\u003c\/i\u003e will show you how to be your best self not just on holiday, but in life.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56303325643125,"sku":"9781741177237","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781741177237_65b5785a-3096-4a65-b7bc-6185661dd011.jpg?v=1786024442"},{"product_id":"9781741175516","title":"Onsen of Japan","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs a country blessed with natural geothermal energy, no trip to Japan is complete without an authentic onsen (hot spring) experience. Yet this world has remained a mystery to many western travellers, who are keen to take advantage of the onsen's relaxing qualities and healing properties.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOnsen of Japan\u003c\/b\u003e is your entry into art of Japanese communal bathing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeaturing listings for more 2500 onsens across the country, authors Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh have selected out the very best places to enjoy this quintessential Japanese experience – including traditional 7th-century baths, historic wooden buildings, open-air mountain springs, rustic neighbourhood baths, and big city super santos (aquatic centres). Alongside vivid descriptions and beautiful images, each listing includes a checklist with important travel information, such as price range, whether same-sex or mixed bathing is available, whether English is spoken, and if tattoos are accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA detailed introduction at the front of the book includes a guide to etiquette, onsen rules, customs and quirks, as well as information on different water types and their healing benefits. The authors also offer tips on how to take a bath like a local, bathing in different seasons, the best places to take a foot bath (ashiyu) or hand bath (teyu), and where you can cook your own onsen egg.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSlip off your clothes and ease yourself into the world of the Japanese onsen. One thing is for sure, taking a bath will never be the same again.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56303326167413,"sku":"9781741175516","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781741175516_afd57048-fc70-4b3c-af97-50d28044042d.jpg?v=1786024427"},{"product_id":"9781741179156","title":"Train Japan","description":"See the land of the rising sun from the rails in \u003cb\u003eTrain Japan\u003c\/b\u003e, the perfect guide to travelling Japan by locomotive. Seasoned Japan lovers Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh bring you their expert advice on the best way to get around this country, including day trips, multi-day train journeys and even themed itineraries for crafty folk, foodies or pop culture fanatics on 'joyful' trains.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Platform-hop around Tokyo and Kyoto cities or whiz along on the shinkansen bullet train to get to where you need to go – fast! Do a lap of the islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku or Kyushu, to get a feel for all this country has to offer, and then do it again in cherry blossom season or when the mountains are blanketed in snow. Whatever the time of year, this guide will help you experience Japan in a way you never have before.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Including carefully curated advice, stunning photography and useful tips, Train Japan has everything you need to experience Japan by rail.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56303748809077,"sku":"9781741179156","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781741179156_71c928d0-cff6-4099-8065-bd51186f36fd.jpg?v=1786024476"},{"product_id":"9781741176988","title":"Hidden Pockets in Kyoto","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eHidden Pockets in Kyoto\u003c\/i\u003eis your guide to losing yourself in this Japanese city that seamlessly intertwines modern and traditional influences. Whether you’re satisfying your tastebuds in contemporary cafes, wandering among the untarnished architecture of Gion or heading back in time while visiting ancient temples and shrines, Kyoto is a captivating city to explore.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCurated by authors Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh, who consider Japan their ‘home away from home’, this travel guide navigates the country’s cultural capital like a local, with chapters for kissatens (coffee shops), gardens, temples, omiyage (local products), mindful experiences and places to enjoy delectable sweets. Build your day with a variety of half-day and full-day itineraries and bask in Kyoto’s seasonal beauty as you explore lantern-lit alleys that reveal the city’s unique precincts, and uncover hidden artisanal treasures and flavors that will challenge and delight your senses.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVenture beyond the metropolis to unearth the heart of the city with this \u003ci\u003eCurious Travel Guide\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56303936176501,"sku":"9781741176988","price":16.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781741176988_1ce97dd8-7a95-4e01-9e9e-18413b4794cc.jpg?v=1786024435"},{"product_id":"9781741179477","title":"Tokyo Story","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eTokyo Story\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e is your guide to a truly surprising city.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJapan's capital is a buzzing metropolis that may seem immense, but look close and you'll find it's made up of smaller neighborhoods, each with their own unique feel. Each themed chapter of this guide tells the tale of Tokyo's rich history, culture and flavor to give you the full travel experience. You’ll find future fashions, the best ramen you’ve ever had, ultra-cool listening bars, crazy moments of pop culture and fantastic things that are free.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBeautifully designed with the essence of this magical city in mind, \u003ci\u003eTokyo Story\u003c\/i\u003eis an intimate curation of iconic locations and hidden gems. You’ll also find some handy tips on navigating Tokyo and Japanese etiquette. Explore under neon lights and out-of-this-world fashions or roam hidden enclaves that still have classic Edo charm – make the most of every moment (and every season). There is simply no other place in the world like Tokyo.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56912189882741,"sku":"9781741179477","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781741179477_8b9fdd7b-6b4e-44df-909c-f795c0f48838.jpg?v=1786024485"},{"product_id":"daytripper-toyko","title":"DayTripper: Toyko","description":"\u003cb\u003eEscape the city with more than 50 day trips from Tokyo, and discover Japan’s hidden treasures, including nature, history, food and drink, and more.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eDayTripper: Tokyo\u003c\/i\u003e is for anyone who wants to get off the beaten track and see more of what Japan has to offer. With over 50 day trips to explore, and a few overnight and weekend adventures thrown in, each trip is no more than a couple of hours from Tokyo by train. Explore hidden galleries and museums, visit shrines by bicycle or hike along some of the ancient trails that link these impressive monuments. Slow down and experience an onsen surrounded by lush forests, or stop overnight at a local ryokan in a historic postal town. For food lovers, there are excursions to sample local delicacies only found in remote regions, and sake brewery tours that offer tastings of this unique beverage. If pop culture is more your thing, then take a trip to the Ghibli Museum, Moomin Valley Park, or Ome Retro 60’s Town. Alternatively, take a masterclass in making (and eating!) noodles.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith maps, beautiful photography, and all the tips and tricks you need to make the most of your time in Japan, \u003ci\u003eDayTripper: Tokyo\u003c\/i\u003e will get you out of the city and experience the hidden gems that aren’t featured on the tourist brochures.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57510200934773,"sku":"9781923503359","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781923503359.jpg?v=1787130535"},{"product_id":"kanji-magic","title":"Kanji Magic","description":"\u003cb\u003eElevate your holiday in Japan by deciphering the magic of kanji!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKanji are not random symbols, they are spells—small pieces of visual magic that turn the world into meaning: a mountain becomes three peaks; a tree becomes a branching shape; and water becomes flowing lines. Over centuries, these pictures were refined, combined, and repurposed until they formed the writing system used across China and Japan. And if you learn how the spells work, the characters stop feeling mysterious. You do not need to memorize every kanji you see; you only need to recognize how the spell was cast.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eKanji Magic\u003c\/i\u003e, authors Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh dispel the myth that the Japanese language is hard to learn. Alongside beautiful, expressive illustrations that explain the history, meaning, and breakdown of basic kanji characters, this book teaches readers how to navigate their way around Japan—learn how to read signs at train stations, book tickets to museums and galleries with confidence, and understand the handwritten menu at your favorite ramen joint.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57510208897397,"sku":"9781923503595","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781923503595.jpg?v=1787130544"}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/author-steve-wide.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}