Cool Japan Guide - Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen

Traveling to Japan has never been so much fun visit the land of anime, manga, cosplay, hot springs and sushi!

This graphic Japan travel guide is the first of its kind exploring Japanese culture from a cartoonist's perspective. Cool Japan Guide takes you on a fun tour from the high-energy urban streets of Tokyo to the peaceful Zen gardens and Shinto shrines of Kyoto and introduces you to:

* the exciting world of Japanese food from bento to sushi and everything in between.

* the otaku (geek) culture of Japan, including a manga market in Tokyo where artists display and sell their original artwork.

* the complete Japanese shopping experience, from combini (not your run-of-the-mill convenience stores!) to depato (department stores with everything).

* the world's biggest manga, anime and cosplay festivals.

* lots of other exciting places to go and things to do like zen gardens, traditional Japanese arts, and a ride on a Japanese bullet train.

Whether you're ready to hop a plane and travel to Japan tomorrow, or interested in Japanese culture, this fun and colorful travelogue by noted comic book artist and food blogger Abby Denson, husband Matt, friend Yuuko, and sidekick, Kitty Sweet Tooth, will present Japan in a uniquely and fascinatingly.

Paperback: 128 pages

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing; Paperback with Flaps edition (March 10, 2015)

Language: English

Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.6 x 10 inches

Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces

Reviews

"What could be a more fitting format for a travel guide on modern Japan than a comic book? Relying on delightful cartoon illustrations, this creative, nicely designed title details travel preparations, the homestay experience, food, shopping, and festivals." - School Library Journal

"In her quirky graphic novel Cool Japan Guide, comic book writer Abby Denson takes us on a "personal tour of Japan" and teaches us the finer points of local etiquette. Traveling isn't just about seeing the sights and eating your way around town. For cartoonist Abby Denson, a trip to Japan meant an education in cultural customs, which she illustrated to charming effect in her new guidebook." - Conde Nast Traveler

"Comic book artist and food blogger Denson (Dolltopia) fills this hip and handy travel guide with her expertise as a frequent visitor to Japan and her bright and vibrant illustrations." -Publishers Weekly

"Abby Denson's Cool Japan Guide: Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen offers great insider-tips on some of the best foods and attractions in a kicky comic book style."  - Travel Channel

"Perfect travel guide with a comic book flair that is sure to appeal to travelers who plan to visit Japan. Also, a great guide that shows Japanese culture in a fun light." - YABooks Central

"Abby's book is the perfect combination of fun and information … Abby gets you on your way in her clear, easygoing comic style. Arigatou Gozaimasu Abby-san!" - Rodney Alan Greenblat, Pop Artist and Author

"Each chapter opens with a with a well-conceived list of Japanese vocabulary words and the back matter offers a directory of suggested sightseeing locations as well as web-based travel resources. A useful title for teens daydreaming about traveling to Japan" - Booklist

"It's a quirky book, with cultural explanations and travel tips, mostly of the novice but also for the more seasoned visitor, all done in stunning manga style." - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

About The Author

Lulu Award winning cartoonist Abby Denson is the creator of the graphic novels Dolltopia (which won an International Manga Award and a silver Moonbeam Children's Book Award) and Tough Love: High School Confidential. Her newest book, Cool Japan Guide: Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen, will be out in March of 2015 from Tuttle. She has scripted Powerpuff Girls Comics, Simpsons Comics, Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Josie and the Pussycats, Disney Adventures, and Amazing Spider-Man Family. The City Sweet Tooth, her comic about NYC desserts has run in The L Magazine and at www.citysweettooth.com. She also has had several comics on gURL.com. She has taught Comic Book Storytelling at Eugene Lang College at The New School. She has played in many punk bands including Mz. Pakman, Let's Audio, and The Saturday Night Things.