From the Publisher
Evelyn Kaye follows Bird's 1878 route through Japan, 120 years later.
Internet Book Watch
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Internet Book Watch
Illustrated with color photos and black & white drawings enhance Evelyn Kaye's entertaining travelogue as she follows the 1878 route of Victorian traveler Isabella Bird through northern Japan. The adventure of a woman traveler in that part of the world in those days was so remarkable that Evelyn discovered that more than a hundred and twenty years later Isabella Bird was still remembered with her book still in print (in Japanese), community memorials erected in her memory, and the subject of a Tokyo television show! Adventures In Japan is a unique, totally engaging, wonderfully well written, enthusiastically recommended account of a personal journey through Japan as seen through the eyes of two women travelers, one from the 19th century and the other from the 20th.
Robert Francis
In 1878, Isabella Bird plodded on horseback along primitive roads from Yokohama to the northernmost island of Hokkaido, Japan. This Victorian adventurer ate meals of rice and beans and spent far too many nights in flea-ridden inns. Bird concluded after her adventure: "Only strong people should travel in northern Japan!" 120 years later Evelyn Kaye retraced the route of Bird's footsteps but the journey was decidedly different. In ADVENTURES IN JAPAN (Blue Panda Publications, $21.95) Kaye share her experiences as she zipped around on fast trains, stayed in quaint hot springs inns, and enjoyed Japanese noodles and other traditional cuisine.
Commenting on traveling alone, Kaye explained: "Although I set out to travel on my own, I had guides to help me and contacts with people along the way. I was, in fact, traveling with Isabella Bird. She was a wonderful introduction to people I would never have met without her to guide me."
To her surprise, Kaye discovered that Bird's memory was alive and well in Japan. Bird's 1878 book was still available and was widely read, three memorials have been erected in her memory, and she was recently even the subject of a national television special. ADVENTURES IN JAPAN is a lively and entertaining narrative of actually two women's travel experiences separated by over a century. If you enjoy armchair traveling, this is definitely a must read.(Robert Francis, Monterey County Post)
Bookwatch
A fascinating account!, Adventures in Japan provides a modern woman’s story of following Victorian adventurer Isabella Birds’ 1878 route through northern Japan, where Bird is still remembered. Kaye’s three-week journey provides a fascinating account of both her experiences in northern Japan and Bird’s lasting influence in the region.(The Bookwatch: Midwest Book Review July 2000)
Today's Librarian
This is an excellent book for those planning a trip to Japan or who enjoy a romping adventure on paper. This book gives readers a glimpse of the beauty of Japan from two different perspectives. One point of view is of Isabella Bird, Victorian adventurer and travel writer, who traveled to Japan in 1878. Kaye, who wrote a 1994 biography of Bird, came to a more modern Japan in 1998 to retrace Bird’s steps. In many ways their trips were similar. The two women traveled alone except for the help of local guides; both set out from Yokohama and headed hundreds of miles north to the island of Hokkaido; and both kept detailed journals. But, as Kaye discovered, 120 years can make quite a difference. Bird made most of the journey on horseback. Kaye had it easier - traveling by bus, train, bicycle, or on foot. While Bird was able to admire shrines in relative peace, Kaye had to elbow her way through crowds of tourists for a moment’s glimpse.Kaye starts each chapter by describing Bird’s adventures, then relates her own experiences on the same leg of the journey, allowing for direct comparison. Kaye has an extensive knowledge of Japan.(TODAY’S LIBRARIAN)
Mostly Books
It was an entertaining read. I like the fact that this book focuses on northern Japan and points out some unique features of cities that don’t commonly attract tourist attention. It uses an interesting concept of contrasting two women’s travels through Japan in two very different eras. It would appeal to someone really into the country and culture of Japan.(Mostly Books, Gig Harbor, Washington.)
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