Award-winning author Steven Herrick journeys from Fukuoka to Sapporo in Japan - an inspiring 2000 kilometre cycling adventure. Accompanied by his wife Cathie and their two hardy bicycles christened Bruce and Lila, this is an entertaining trek through the cultural and gastronomic heart of Japan. The author cycles up mountains covered in bamboo forests, along back roads surrounded by rice paddies and through the major cities of one of Asia’s more intriguing and mystifying countries, sampling the culinary delights from sashimi to sushi, udon to oden and bento to beef steak. Away from the cafes, convenience stores and restaurants, the author tries to make sense of a country dedicated to progress and change that still values the kimono and sumo; an industrial powerhouse who re-energised the motor vehicle while remaining devoted to the bicycle and a society addicted to overwork while enjoying a long soak in a public bath. ‘Bento, bicycles and bathhouses’ is a bicycle adventure, a gastronomic safari and an entertaining ramble through the culture and landscape of Japan.
Bento, bicycles ad bathhouses: A cycling adventure in Japan from Fukuoka to Sapporo I read a sample and then quickly ordered Bento, bicycles and bathhouses: A cycling adventure in Japan from Fukuoka to Sapporo by Steven Herrick. My husband and I plan to ride the famous Shimanami Kaido bicycle path next year and wanted to obtain an honest insight into the experience. I came away with a bucket list of other locations I’d not considered.
The book was highly readable and informative. I appreciated the author’s humorous observations about food, traffic, ‘the selfie-culture’, the vital role of 7/11 for cyclists and the importance of not arriving early.
We share the author’s belief that cycling in as excellent way of understanding a country. Mr Herrick provides a valuable contribution in this area.