Book Review: Tokyo on Foot by Florent Chavouet

This unique presentation of one foreigner’s exploration of the world’s largest city over six months was never intended to be a guidebook: no star ratings for luxe hotels or interviews with celebrity chefs here - and wasn’t supposed to be a social commentary: don’t look here for studies on gender roles or the Occupy Movement. But a guidebook (of sorts) is what this simple artist’s sketchbook has become; one filled with the (usually humorous) views and comments about everyday life and ordinary buildings around the various districts of central Tokyo.

Florent’s district maps may be easier to use than the ones in the Frommer’s guidebook - and clearly show the most important places for family travelers, like good supermarkets and convenience stores and coffee shops; the photogenic spots and nice parks and walking-path shortcuts. 

Tokyo is not called a beautiful city (except perhaps at night, from a high building, when you can soak in the lights) - but Florent’s colored-pencil sketches give individual personality to even the most ordinary row house or storefront. And his cartoon drawings of shopkeepers, commuters, students, and local police - while, well, simple cartoons, still move past stereotypes and cliches to reveal humanity and show you details you might not ordinarily notice from the tour bus or running through the airport. (Mr. Chavouet’s blog - in French - continues his studies.)

When our family travels we like to use public transport and walk around, eat simply and try to experience parts of everyday life in the cities we visit. The flowers poking up in an alleyway are no less beautiful than the ones in the Imperial gardens, after all. This book brings back nostalgia we have for our time in Japan - and gives us ideas for our next trip.

Whether you’ve been to Tokyo already or are looking for ideas for a future stopover trip, this book lovingly shows the real side of the city, and is great entertainment.




For more media, product, and service reviews about traveling through and learning about Asian culture, please visit http://www.weninchina.com/Reviews/Reviews/Reviews.html

Our Tokyo article links:

• Narita Airport Guide: http://www.weninchina.com/Airports/Tokyo_NRT.html
• Tokyo Stopover: http://www.weninchina.com/Travel/Tokyo_Stopover.html

40 articles and counting!

Like a bowl of Shanghai-style beef noodle soup, weninchina.com aims to be filling, nutritious, and something you want to have available every day.

We've just published our 40th article about the China travel experience for families. Unlike the traditional travel guidebooks, which are organized around the various regions of China, we realize each family's timeline and itinerary is different. So we've set up our website more like a Dim Sum cart - pick what you're interested in and swing back for more when you're ready.

We've organized information into categories that apply wherever you land:

Lodging - including links to many of the most commonly-used hotels for adoptive families. Most of you will not be staying in well-known Western chains. There are important differences between a Chinese "5-star" hotel and what we would call "5 stars."

• Space - what you should expect about the layout of your hotel room
• Bathrooms
• the Beds - they aren't like hotel beds back home
• Cribs
• Electrical Outlets and Converters - not every region in China uses the same kind of plug, and the outlets are difficult to find in your hotel room
• Light Switches - quite possibly the first minor annoyance you'll encounter in the country. Yes, the switch in your hotel room does not work like you'd expect it to...
• the Breakfast Buffet - the only meal you know will be coming at a consistent time. Here's how to make the most of it.
• your hotel room's mini refrigerator - it's the same appliance, but there's something you don't know...
• your Room Safe - a must-use tool

Food - it's good, and for the most part, inexpensive.

• Chopsticks - yes, you need to learn how to use them
• KFC / Pizza Hut - these Western chains have made interesting adaptations for Chinese tastes, and should be on your list of things to try. There's no need to be afraid of ordering at the counter for yourself!
• Starbucks - because we can't live without good coffee, and you won't find any at your hotel
• Congee - it's what your child is eating; you should know what it's about

Travel and Tourism - advice about getting there, getting around, and getting home.

• Planning your Transpacific flights - more difficult since you have to leave from Guangzhou. We list and discuss several options
• Tokyo Narita Airport - a quick overview of where many of you will connect through
• Chinese Domestic Flights - what to expect as you move around the country
• Departing China - baggage strategy, getting through Guangzhou Baiyun airport, and what to expect for security
• Preparation for coming home - dealing with jetlag, relatives, and re-integrating into your 'normal' life. Includes a checklist of things you'll need to have done or arranged for before you leave for China.
• Shamian Island - the adoptive parents' refuge in Guangzhou. Includes a downloadable map to use when walking around.
• Traffic in China - amazing and hair-raising
• Passport & Money Holders

Money and Shopping - never enough of the former, never enough time for the latter...

• Money Basics - what the bills and coins look like, what to call them. China is very much a cash-based society, and you'll be using this knowledge every day.
• How to Exchange Currency - you'll be carrying a lot of it; here's where to go and how the process works
• Shopping for Groceries - a great and inexpensive way to get to know the Real China, not just the touristy stuff. It's something you can do on your own - and endlessly entertaining.
• Olympic Souvenirs - while a little outdated, still a good read concerning knockoff goods and how to determine what is authentic merchandise

Safety and Health - to supplement what your doctor or travel clinic has prepared you for

• Baby Formula Advisory - current information and government links regarding the tainted milk scandal of 2008
• Problems with Time Zones - jetlag when arriving in China isn't as much of a problem as that the local time zone doesn't fit the day/night cycle well
• "China Colon Syndrome" - will happen to you. Here's some help on how to deal with it.
• Spraying for Bugs - be aware, be prepared
• Physical Preparation for your trip - ideas on how to get ready for your two weeks away from the normal routine
• Crossing the Street - if you think the traffic is crazy when you're in a vehicle, then consider what it means for you as you walk around!
• Dealing with the Smog - when you encounter it, you'll remember it always. Here are some ideas on how to get through it until your next city.
• Email and Internet Monitoring - you may encounter some frustration, but it's not personal.

People and Culture - explaining some of the things you'll see on your trip, and ideas for back home

• Karaoke - is a huge industry in China. You might or might not get roped into it...
• Umbrellas - are used for more than rainshowers. If you want to fit in quickly, here's a good idea.
• Boats on the Pearl River - Guangzhou is a busy port with lots of traffic, and Shamian Island is a perfect spot to watch it from.
• Lucky Fish - why do Chinese have pictures and hangings of fish everywhere?
• the China Daily newspaper - your nightly reading assignment
• Chinese TV stations - in this case, watching TV can be considered to be 'good for you', and we do heartily recommend it!
• Chinese Learning Resources - for you and your children to use "back home". We profile and recommend several publishers and book distributors.

We hope to see you soon, and invite your comments, questions, and suggestions at weninchinainfo@mac.com.