Journey Across Japan: The Sunday Times Bestseller - Adventures off the beaten path from the author of Abroad in Japan

by Chris Broad

Brought to you by Penguin.

From the author of the Number one bestselling Abroad in Japan, Journey Across Japan takes us through the 47 unique prefectures of the Land of the Rising Sun

Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with millions flocking there every month to follow the same cookie-cutter itinerary.

But beyond the well-trodden tourist trail lies a country made up of forty-seven unique prefectures. Each one has its own story to tell, shaped by centuries of squabbling lords, impenetrable topography and a fierce local pride.

On his quest to show the world that there’s so much more to Japan than Tokyo and Kyoto, Chris Broad has visited all of forty-seven prefectures himself. Now, in Journey Across Japan, he takes us with him on an epic adventure that spans every corner of the country.

A collection of embarrassing stories, practical recommendations and hard-learned lessons, this book show us just how much each region has to offer, whether it’s a signature dish, a festival or a mildly terrifying mascot.

From flying a plane over Japan’s most active volcano to exploring perfectly preserved Samurai districts, this guide will encourage readers, whether you’re a Japan neophyte or a seasoned veteran, to carve out your own story in the Land of the Rising Sun.

© Chris Broad 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

Genres: Nonfiction, Japan, Travel, Audiobook, Japanese Literature, History

Audible Audio

Published September 24, 2026

About the author

Chris Broad is a British filmmaker and founder of the Abroad in Japan YouTube channel, one of the largest foreign YouTube channels in Japan with over 2.5 million subscribers and 400 million views. Over ten years and two hundred videos, Chris has visited all of Japan's forty-seven prefectures, focusing Abroad in Japan on travel, food and culture. He has also covered contemporary issues through documentaries on the Fukushima nuclear disaster and the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. His experiences have made him a sought-after voice on life inside Japan and he has been featured on the BBC, TEDx, NHK and the Japan Times.

Reviews

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Half reisgids en half een opsomming van Chris Broad’s avonturen en ontdekkingen gedurende zijn inmiddels 13(?) jaar in Japan.

Alle 47 prefecturen van Japan komen aan bod met dingen die je absoluut moet zien, eten/drinken en doen met het dringende advies om toch vooral eens van de gebaande paden af te wijken.

Ik heb maar zo’n vermoeden dat dit boek nog wel eens van pas gaat komen bij de toekomstige reizen naar 日本.

Bonuspunten voor de prachtige illustraties die voorafgaan aan elk hoofdstuk/prefectuur 🤩

[Olivier Timmermans · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

As someone who has watched Chris' videos since basically the start and has yet to visit japan this is a great book. Unlike the previous book which was a bit more of a consecutive story this is more a collection of his experiences that can act like a travel guide. He tries to show that japan is a lot more then just Tokyo and Kyoto by giving attention to all the prefectures. He does this with stories he experienced which also often appeared in his videos to highlight what you can do in each prefecture.
When I finally get to visit Japan I'll be using this as a guide to explore what Japan has to offer.

[Lauren's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the abroad in japan youtube channel. I read his first book and loved it so knew I would love this one!
If you are planning a trip to Japan I would highly recommend reading this book before you go.
Had the pleasure of meeting Chris at the signing for this book and he was as wonderful as he always is on his channel. Amazing work as always Chris 👌

[alisha :p · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been watching Chris and following his adventures around Japan ever since I was introduced to the channel in his first book, so I was absolutely thrilled to get my hands on Journey Across Japan!!! With the amount of places Chris has been to, I knew this book was going to be full to the BRIM with amazing recommendations and insane anecdotes.

This book has all the wondrous humour and insightful knowledge as the last. The amount of wacky and bucket list experiences this guy has is immense, and you can practically hear Chris’ voice reading them out to you. Also, the artwork before each chapter is beautiful and was a wonderful way to introduce each new area.

While reading, I made sure to take notes as I have been fortunate enough to book my own holiday to Japan for next year! I am excited to put Chris’ recommendations to the test!!!

Thank you so much to the lovely people at Penguin for sending me out this advanced copy! It is really appreciated.

[Paul Convery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journey Across Japan is much more of a travel guide that is built around stories from Chris's travels around Japan than his first book so do not go into this expecting more of the same.

Each chapter is dedicated to one of Japan's 47 prefectures, giving some brief information about it and then diving into some of the adventures Chris has had in it to highlight places to visit and food to try with all the self depreciating humour you would come to expect from Chris Broad if you are familiar with his Abroad in Japan YouTube channel.

Personally I would have preferred a more direct followup to his first book, Abroad in Japan, that was just recounting his experiences of living, working and travelling in Japan. The one downside I think this format has is just the number of prefectures that it covers as it feels like a whirlwind tour through them all without having time to really dive deep into them, but it does do a good job of giving you a taste of the differences between them all.

If you like work Chris has done exploring Japan on his YouTube channel you will enjoy this, or if you are maybe planning a trip and want something that will give you an entertaining guide that might help some more less tourists heavy parts of Japan catch your attention this is worth a read.

[Michelle]

I will finish this another time.

[MIke Flyndale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books about Japan are often an impenetrable read. While I'm fascinated by the history, culture, food and otherworldliness of the country, too many books obsess over one thing, often into tedious levels of detail. Journey Across Japan kept me engaged from start to finish.

47 prefectures may sound truly overwhelming, but by getting to discover each one in bite-sized chunks, from the illustrations and facts to humorous stories, by the time I hit the final pages of Okinawa it wasn't a stretch to say I felt like I'd endured my very own whirlwind trip through the country.

Apparently the author makes videos on Youtube so that'll be my next stop!
A fantastic read with exceptional illustrations. I'll be clutching it with me on my trip to Japan in 2027.

[Ellen-Mae Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idyllically, I started this audiobook on my flight to Japan, listened to part of it on the Shinkansen and then finished it on my flight back home. Both of Chris’ books have taught me that there is so much to appreciate in this beautiful country and I yearn to book another trip back to explore more “off the beaten path.” Chris is spectacular at telling anecdotal stories and this book manages to go beyond what is captured on his YouTube channel to describe the charm of each prefecture.

A wonderful read for anyone interested in travel, japanese culture, or just honest personal accounts of getting out of one’s comfort zone. I’m glad I also ordered a hardback copy, as the cover is beautiful and the illustrations bring it to life!

[Ivo Raband · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expecting another book by Chris Broad with the funny and tongue in cheek anecdotes of his life in Japan, I picked this one up the day it was published. The books wasn’t that which disappointed me at first. Unlike „Abroad in Japan“ this book is much more. It is part biography but also part the best travel guide about Japan you can get your hands on. I want to immediately book a one way flight to Japan, this book in hand and travel to these wonderful, amazing, and delicious places Chris Broad writes about. Pick this up if you want to travel to Japan and see more than Tokyo and Kyoto! I can’t wait to be back.

[Daveyp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and immediately completed my Ikigai. Packed with great insights, anecdotes and interesting tidbits about Japanese culture, it was a real journey (hence the name). I loved the illustrations and the format with eat prefecture having a fact file and a recommended dish. Rather than simply giving you a TripAdvisor list of places to visit, this a book that really gives you a feel for the character of each region and is very inspiring for planning your own trip. Chris' writing style really transports you there, and keeps it exciting and humorous. Definitely recommend.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. My granddaughter is obsessed with Japanese culture and now so am I. I’m questioning so many of the 5 stars I’ve designed to other books as this one definitely deserves it and maybe I should have have been more judicious with some(many?) of the books I’ve given 5 stars to. This one beats many. My daughter would like to take her daughter to see Japan at some point and I hope that they are able. Wish I could go to!

[Stuart Piper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chris is obsessed with food and drink, at least his narrative is dominated by it. I would have loved a bit more Japan and a bit less dish of the day. Chris is very funny, but this is more Jamie Oliver than Michael Palin. It’s less travelogue more foodalogue, so just know that before you buy.

[Peter Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

After three hours I couldn’t get on with the narrator, who is also the author, his rather breathless excitement injected into seemingly every scene. I would also have welcomed more geographical context though this is one of the limitations of audible as the book may well have maps and photos.

[Sean Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever stumbled across Chris Broads YouTube channel or previous book you know what you're in for some witty, entertaining, self depricating entertainment. Whilst it maybe frowned upon, the audiobook reading by Chris adds to the experience. I was fortunate as I am travelling around New Zealand, a country where the world's days begin, I got to be some of the first listeners. What a treat it was.

[cinnamonwitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

lots of umami flavour.

[Gavin Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book if you want to get off the beaten path of Japan, he shares great tips for food too