5 Books to Read Before Visiting Japan
Traveling to Japan is like stepping into another rhythm. One minute you’re walking under glowing lanterns in a quiet Kyoto alley, and the next you’re riding a bullet train through neon-lit megacities. It’s a country that balances tradition and innovation like nowhere else on earth - and at Evolve Tours, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is for students, educators, and families to experience Japan with open eyes and an informed heart.
Whether you’re preparing for a school trip, planning a cultural deep-dive, or simply dreaming from afar, these five books offer a window into the spirit of Japan - its people, customs, contradictions, and quiet beauty.
1. A Geek in Japan: Discovering the Land of Manga, Anime, Zen, and the Tea Ceremony
By Hector Garcia
This fun, visually engaging book breaks down modern and traditional Japanese culture in an accessible and insightful way. From pop culture and work culture to etiquette and spirituality, it touches on the many sides of Japan.
Why we recommend it: It’s perfect for first-time visitors, curious students, and teachers looking to give their group a wide-angle view of Japanese life today.
2. Memoirs of a Geisha
By Arthur Golden
A beautifully written historical novel that follows the life of a young girl sold into a Kyoto geisha house. While fictionalized, it provides vivid insight into a lesser-known part of Japanese history, with rich descriptions of tradition, beauty, and social hierarchy.
Why we recommend it: This story offers powerful emotional context for those visiting Kyoto or exploring traditional arts and gender roles in Japanese society.
3. Hokkaido Highway Blues: Hitchhiking Japan
By Will Ferguson
A hilarious and thoughtful travel memoir from a Canadian writer who hitchhiked the length of Japan, following the cherry blossom front from south to north. His encounters with locals and observations about everyday life reveal much more than a guidebook ever could.
Why we recommend it: A great pre-trip read for adventurous spirits, solo travellers, or students who want to understand Japan beyond the tourist lens.
4. Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death
Compiled by Yoel Hoffmann
This contemplative and deeply moving collection offers a unique perspective on Japanese philosophy, Zen Buddhism, and the poetic tradition of accepting impermanence. Each poem is a final reflection written before death - a practice rooted in ancient Japanese culture.
Why we recommend it: For those interested in mindfulness, spirituality, or poetic traditions, this book invites quiet reflection before or during your time in Japan.
5. Kitchen
By Banana Yoshimoto
This short novel is a classic of contemporary Japanese literature. It weaves together themes of grief, resilience, food, and urban life through the story of a young woman navigating love and loss in Tokyo.
Why we recommend it: A powerful reminder that even in the biggest cities, the most intimate and universal human stories unfold. It’s a great read for teens and adults alike.
Why Read Before You Go?
At Evolve Tours, we believe travel should be immersive, respectful, and meaningful. Reading a few great books before you travel gives you a cultural foundation - and can spark deeper conversations and connections once you’re on the ground.
Each of these titles captures a different facet of Japan’s personality, from its pop culture to its spiritual roots, from ancient rituals to modern identity. And that’s exactly the kind of richness we aim to offer on every Evolve program.
We’ve designed Japan experiences for French classes, art programs, food lovers, and STEM-focused groups. Whether you're dreaming of temples in Kyoto, market tours in Osaka, or immersive workshops in Tokyo, we’d love to help turn those pages into reality.
Let us help you plan a journey that brings Japan to life - in the most meaningful way possible.
📞 Let’s Start Planning
Email: info@evolvetours.com
Phone: 1-888-222-5066
Website: www.evolvetours.com
