Kamakura, A Historical Guide
2017 Edition
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5.0 • 5件の評価
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- ¥700
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- ¥700
発行者による作品情報
After living in Tokyo for 25 years, I decided ten years ago to make Kamakura my home. There, very slowly, full immersion into Japanese history did what all those years in Tokyo hadn’t. The doors of perception opened, I finally understood something about this country, and what you see is the result. None of the many guides I had read described the Kamakura and the Japan I saw in a way that made sense to me. So I wrote this, my first and maybe my last book. I wrote it because I thought it was needed, and it is the guidebook I wish I had when I arrived here. It consists of 258 pages and almost as many photos taken over the past decade.
Kamakura, A Historical Guide is actually two books in one.
The first is indeed a step-by-step guide to Kamakura, one of the many former capitals of Japan. It will take you on a visit to 28 of my favorite temples, places I know very well. At least one of the guided tours—the second—is, as far as I know, original to me. About 180 pages long, the guide is interspersed with hundreds of links to different parts of the second book, which occupies the remaining 80 pages. I included several live maps from Google so that you always know where you are, and to help you find restaurants, toilets, cafes, and more.
The second book is an introduction to the part of Japan that is immortal. Japan's history, spirituality, art and architecture as I understand them. You may enjoy this part, even if you have no intention to visit Kamakura.
In the appendix, assorted info about trains, buses, cafés, museums, restaurants, convenience stores, wifi hotspots, and even public toilets.
Beneath both books lies the idea that you can understand neither Japan, nor Kamakura if you do not know about a great catastrophe, the wave of brutal anti-Buddhist violence that hit full-force the whole country from 1868 to 1871, destroying forever much of the country’s cultural heritage and countless lives, only to be almost completely forgotten in its aftermath.
カスタマーレビュー
Highly informative work of love by the author
Francesco’s passion for his subject matter has produced a book that serves as an excellent guide to the city he loves, complete with his subjective opinions and commentary on the locations to which he directs readers. At the same time, the book offers a depth of historical and cultural background to Kamakura and, more generally, to many aspects fo Japan on the whole. It’s well worth a read for anybody interested in Kamakura and Japan; and its value really shines for those who are planning to visit Kamakura.
Thought-provoking & totally fun to follow
I have been living in Japan for over 20 years and next door to Kamakura for 9 of them, and this interactive guide was the like "icing on the cake" for a me as a Kamakura fan. I have long since stopped following the normal tourist trail (which is actually lovely in itself!) and often find myself standing in front of a mysterious headstone, peering into a rustic well, or climbing stairs to a small tree-enclosed shrine. Unfortunately, after enjoying the peace and quiet just few steps away from the crowds, I go away feeling a bit ignorant. This guide has solved that issue and more. The author's level of detail and intrigue is both entertaining and eye-opening. And simply fun to read! I found myself sitting on stone steps here and there, reading a page or two, and saying, " Really? Cool. Wait, I didn't know he/she/they did that here..." And then jumping back up to take a second look a certain stone lantern, moss-covered statue, or temple gate. All this, and I have only completed one of the author's five carefully arranged courses. Oh, and the photography is absolutely amazing - many worthy of a place on your living room wall. I can't wait till my next outing with this guide in hand. My only complaint...Kamakura has so many unique cafes that feature original architecture as well as superb coffee or green tea. They deserve a spot on the list of cafes. (Full disclosure here: I have known the author for a few years now, but have never visited Kamakura with him as a guide, so my opinion and excitement about this book are completely honest...from my heart and based in my love for Kamakura.)
Bravo!
This is a really useful guidebook, and definitely has a fresh, original feeling to it. Extremely practical information mixed with thought-provoking comments, and some really stunning photography. This is definitely worth getting if you are going to be visiting Kamakura or even if you are simply interested in Japan. And very reasonably priced too!