How to Have an Adventure in Northern Japan

by Raffael Coronelli

Ten cities and towns from Hokkaido to Tokyo.
Travel to ancient mountain temples and fairy tale valleys, frozen metropolises and monster-haunted springs — with plenty of local cuisine, beer, and maybe even a maid cafe. Part memoir, part guide — full of wild stories, incredible locales, dynamic photography, travel info, and all the people along the way. Author Raffael Coronelli invites you on the adventure of a lifetime through northern Japan.

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2020

About the author

Raffael Coronelli is a Chicago-based world adventurer and writer. His works include the How to Have an Adventure in… travel book series, several novels, and essays for Anime News Network and blu-ray releases from Arrow Video.

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting depiction of a true adventure, beautifully written about. It feels like you are there, seeing the magical sights, tasting the food, experiencing the cozy, snowy atmosphere - and never knowing what’s just around the corner. The perfect escape for 2020, to a happier time of travel and exploration.

[MekaGojira3k · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to have an Adventure in Northern Japan is the latest work by author Raffael Coronelli (Daikaiju Yuki/Big Egg/Many Others). Character has always been a strength in Coronelli’s work and with this latest project he effortlessly whisks us away and into the cold north of Japan. He places us as much in his shoes as anything might and we feel the areas he travels through as vibrantly as he must have himself. Each locale is more than a series of events, it’s a personality and Coronelli unveils it to us through intimate interactions with the people and places therein.
Some of the noteworthy segments include a Maid Café visit and a restaurant Kakunodate. These introduce characters who make an impression upon the author who then passes on these experiences to us. These connections, like the many locations in the book, are seen as awe-inspiring glimpses into a culture that is in many ways only knowable upon leaving the beaten path.
There’s a whimsy here that does not exaggerate or stereotype. An American man journeys into an unknown region and finds time and time again something of beauty. It’s respectful and subtle and that measured approach goes a long way in conveying the adventure. I whole heartedly recommend this to anybody with interest in travel or Japanese culture!

[Jake Hanegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Writing this memoir has been its own form of coping mechanism”, Coronelli wrote on the last page of this wonderful book; it is an escape, and a notion that “we will continue when all this is done”. Raffael realized this magically transportive powerfer of literature - to take us back, and simultaneously make us look ahead - with masterful aplomb in this snappy memory. It is part guide, part storytelling, and part character exploration, giving the reader a sense of a soul reminiscing on a formative experience that has gained even more significance through the isolation of pandemic lockdown. Coronelli’s witty observations and self awareness as to when more detail would actually obscure makes this an escape worth taking at any time, but especially enjoyable when the idea of uninhibited travel is as distant as the paths of Yamadera Rishaku-ji themselves. Kampai, Rafi-san!

[Marie Matsui · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging memoir, with a strong voice, Raffael Coronelli doesn't just make you want to travel to Northern Japan, he makes you feel as though you've already visited. It is a pleasant escape for anyone who wishes to travel to Japan, but cannot during this difficult time, and a fun inspiration for those looking to plan their own trips, during a more hopeful future. I particularly enjoyed his description of Noboribetsu, the Valley of the Demons!

[Janet Sheffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much a memoir as a travel guide, this book is an escape from the doldrums of the pandemic. I want to go to many of the places described after reading this, and to eat all of the food he describes. Entertaining, and funny in parts, I really enjoyed following Raffael on his adventure.

[Rachael Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who is currently experiencing an adventure in Northern Japan it was delightful and refreshing to hear the author’s passion for adventure and willingness to immerse himself in Japanese culture. I am grateful Raffael’s suggestions and perspectives and look forward to the rest of my time and experiences here!

[Raffael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did all this.