A Year in Tōkyō: An Illustrated Guide and Memoir

by Christy Anne Jones

The summer after I turned 21, I moved to Japan. A Year in Tōkyō follows the thirteen magical months I spent in the city of ginkgo leaves. From becoming a travel writer and English teacher to navigating cultural nuances, financial adversity and the abomination known as peanut cream, this book is a candid exploration of what it was really like to live and work in the world’s greatest megacity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Memoir, Japan, Japanese Literature, Biography, Graphic Novels

148 pages, ebook

First published October 16, 2022

About the author

Christy Anne Jones is an Australian writer, illustrator and video-maker from Adelaide.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/aileaux
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christyanne...

Reviews

[Olivia (Stories For Coffee)]

Such a beautifully illustrated travel memoir and guide to Japan, weaving in travel tips and personal experiences to create a sweet ode to a country Christy loves.

The illustrations woven into the text of this e-book inspired me creatively and her wisdom she passed along reminded me to take risks in life and travel as much as you can because you don’t know how much it will change you as a person.

Incredibly well done.

[Mauskopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely reread books, but I would read this one over and over again. Beautifully written, it captures the enchanting essence of Tokyo so very well and not only did it remind me of my own trip to Japan a few years ago, it also made me dream of going back.

This will be such a helpful guide for when I actually get to revisit Tokyo and, in the meantime, will be perfect for when I find myself wrapped up in wanderlust.

Dear Christy, I am in dire need of more books written by you <3

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful little book. While I've never been to Tōkyō, this book made me experience a little bit of its magic. The writing is exceptionally beautiful, the tips seem very useful, and the illustrations enhance an already magical guide. Definitely give this a read!

[Rachel B]

Abandoned after 46% read.

The combination of memoir and travel guide didn't really work for me. Also, some of the writing was a bit disjointed.

The illustrations were cute, and I think this would be a great book for someone who is really into Japanese culture and is planning a visit. Sadly, that's not me.

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful illustrated book about the life of a student living in one of the most expensive cities of the world. Highly recommended!

[randomreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming and beautifully illustrated. Definitely makes me want to visit Tokyo one day.

[María Alejandra Duque · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted reading this book! It’s a very complete guide to explore Tokyo and its surroundings, and the artwork was just gorgeous. Christy Anne Jones truly delivered a gem of a book!

[Marge Moen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was lovely!

[Mathieu Rivest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comforting account of youth travel to read on a nice rainy day which I enjoyed greatly.

[Cassandra Colis · Rating 3 out of 5]

El libro más cozy de la historia. Fue muy lindo aventurarme a leer esta guía/memoir o lo que sea, realmente sigo sin saber como definirlo porque me parece más un diario de viaje hecho publico con fotos e ilustraciones. Es muy lindo conocer otra cultura a través de los ojos de un extranjero a quien le apasiona tanto. Me parece que es muy atinada en contarte detalles muy entretenidos sobre esta ciudad y sin embargo realmente como libro no llega a ningún lado, no puedo decir que me encanto pero si puedo aceptar que lo disfruté y me alegra mucho haber descubierto un "nuevo formato" de escritura que podría incluso volverse un nuevo reto o proyecto en mi vida para publicar mis propios libros.
Debo aplaudir que es un libro que puede leer cualquiera sin importar genero, edad, gustos por la lectura o si quiera si conocen dela cultura japonesa o no es de su interés.
Ojalá otros youtubers que han sacado libros pusieran tanto corazón como ella a sus proyectos y no solo fuera sacar otro medio de ganar dinero.

[Nassima · Rating 4 out of 5]

"One thing I love about Tōkyō is that, in between snippets of skyscrapers and mayhem, there are winding, sleepy suburbs that muffle the chaos beyond. Within these snippets, you'll find stout apartment blocks and modern, detached houses, tiny shops with sprawling pot plants, community vegetable gardens, and the staff of local day-care facilities carting around yellow-hatted children in wheeling trolleys."

An enjoyable read with the loveliest illustrations. I really liked how unfiltered and poetic the memoir was, and I definitely wrote down the names of a handful of must-see spots that were mentioned! I could also, to some extent, relate to the author, being myself a tiny anxious bean who has lived in Seoul for a few months with a Working Holiday Visa. It's an experience that is both scary and exciting. I could genuinely connect with that. Hopefully, I'll get to go back to Tokyo someday! This guide will definitely come in handy, and particularly its list of bookshops selling books written in (or translated into) English.

[PenguinKaiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Se trata de una memoria de los 13 meses que pasó ella y su novio viviendo en Tokio, así como una guía de viaje para cualquiera que quiera ser turista en esas tierras.

Todo está escrito y encantadoramente ilustrado por ella, lo que le da un toque personal que me fascinó y que me metió de lleno en su viaje.

Es uno de esos libros que sirven para pasar un buen rato, desestresarte y conocer un país y una cultura diferentes.

[emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely gorgeous illustrations! her writing was very informative and lyrical, she’s very talented and i loved all of her traveler’s tips and lists of attractions/places to go and the less tourist-y places/hidden gems. the photography included was also very beautiful. the entire guide was very atmospheric and i even teared up at the end, which is a bit odd for an illustrated guide to a city i’ve never been to, but some of the quotes were absolutely gorgeous. some of my favorite quotes were:

“In the moonlight, the petals look like tiny ghosts haunting the branches, illuminated by the moon, sprinkling down over the asphalt like confetti. Fairy floss trees. Strawberry milk. Snow, but warm and soft and un-melting in the hands of those swift enough to catch the petals.”

“This place has taken a piece of me and will not give it back.”

“I am young. One day, I’ll have a house, a dog. A library instead of boxes of books stuffed in the back of a wardrobe. One day, adulthood will win. It will take me and tie me down by the arms and legs, but for now, I am free.”

“I will end up a soul scattered between many countries, but I cannot think of a more joyful existence than sailing the oceans of extraordinary.”

HER WRITING IS EVERYTHING. this filled me with an aching desire to TRAVEL, to get out and see the world. I’ve always entertained the idea and longed for living in a foreign country for even just a few months or a year, just to get out of my comfort zone and experience life in the fullest way possible. this makes me want to cry for not having experienced it yet. amazing book w cute illustrations, heartwarming personal stories, and a wonderfully detailed guide & expose on living in japan as foreigners. 5/5 🤍

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Christy's YouTube channel and I'm planning my first trip to Japan later this year, so this was a no-brainer! A charming little book that combines information about Tokyo, travel tips, and the author's personal experiences. Loved it!

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute little memoir/travel guide to Tokyo, and definitely one that I plan to add to my personal collection. This book made me want to quit my job and move to Japan on a whim just do see if I could make it.

[Kinley Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very helpful in understanding what it's like moving to Tokyo with little to no plan, not understanding the language, and not having a job set up.
I really appreciated the author's raw experiences, and the way she didn't try to make everything look perfect and easy when it wasn't.
5/5 :D

[Yesenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, detailed yet succinct.

[Faïza · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Tōkyō was the first foreign city I ever visited. It was the first place I ever ran away to. No matter how many beautiful cities I've visited since, I will never recreate what it felt like to walk through Shinjuku for the very first time."

A lovely memoir/guide filled with interesting information, cute drawings, and beautiful pictures. Although I don’t personally know a lot about the city, I recognized many of the places mentioned thanks to my sister who went there twice and told me of her travels. I enjoyed all the little anecdotes, but also that Christy Anne Jones speaks with honesty of her experience in the Land of the Rising Sun. I’ll probably never go to Japan but this book definitely made me dream for a while.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poetic and informational travel guide. With alot of personal experience weaved in and qoutes that I want to remember. The illustrations created a warm atmosphere and made me want to pack my bags and visit all the beautiful places I read about.

[Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming but honest guide to Tokyo with cute illustrations.
I read this book while I was in pain from my period laying on sofa trying to get myself comfortable sipping herbal tea from my favorite mug. It turned out A Year In Tokyo was the perfect pick for the time like that. I’ve lived in Tokyo for over 8 years now, but there are still many places undiscovered in this mega city. Christy’s beautiful writings encouraged me to go outside and explore more in the city where I’ve currently lost any motivations to do so.
And I appreciate her honest and accurate information about Tokyo and Japanese culture as I always get cringe at the idea of fantasizing a life in Tokyo or twisted misinformation about the culture sometimes. I love her poems inserted here and there along the guide too.
As a Japanese who works in tourism, runs a blog for international tourists about Japan (now also for expats) this book reminds me of why I started this job and inspired me to keep going even though it’s still unclear when tourists come back to Japan like two years ago. All the matsuri had been canceled for two years in row, and no hanami picnic is allowed in the park although now it’s the beginning of the beautiful cherry blossom season in Tokyo. It’s been depressing really, but thanks to this book, I can look forward to when this is over (or rather, when Japan decides we’ll try to coexist with the virus) hopefully soon.
Thank you for the beautiful book Christy, I love this piece entirely.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not often you get an interesting memoir and a useful travel guide in one go, and I can certainly picture ways something like that would be implemented in a clunky, incoherent flow. However, this is a book that is compelling from a personal perspective and also provides a window into life in Tokyo for someone like me who really knows nothing about the city. A Year in Tokyo tells the story of Jones moving to Tokyo from Australia and the challenges that come with moving so far from home. However, as the story progresses and her time in the city continues, she finds her footing and comes out the other side with a newfound resilience as well as some practical recommendations for someone visiting the city. The book is incredibly accessible, filled with illustrations and photographs of the destinations described, and can be devoured in one sitting. As someone who desperately wants to visit Tokyo someday, and often needs a reminder to step outside my comfort zone, this is a book that will certainly be revisited. If you're in need of a cozy read that takes you to the other side of the world (depending on what side of the world you're in) this is the book for you.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about Christy's time living in Japan. In her guide and memoir she notes all the fantastic places to travel to in and around the Tokyo area, including all the hidden gems to check out. The book explores her time living in Japan for a year and interweaves tips and guides for the reader who is interested in Japan travel as well. I also thought that the 7 day itinerary at the end was a really great idea. I have been a subscriber of Christy's YouTube channel for a while now and I can truly say that this was a great book to read. If you have any interest in travelling to Japan I would recommend this book!

Two of my favourite quotes from the book were:

"I urge you: if you can, leap outside the bubble of where you grew up. The experiences that allow us to grow the very most as people are often the. ones that terrify us".

"Go out into the world. Experience the beauty, the diversity, the nuances and enthralling complexity of this planet we get to live on, and the people we're lucky to share it with".

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful little guide/memoir to Tokyo.

The illustrations were lovely and the photos felt authentic rather than generic ones of tourist hot spots.

This definitely leans into being more of a guide as Christy uses her experiences to give tips and highlight possible areas for people to visit in their planning process to Tokyo rather than taking a detailed introspective look at how her time in Japan impacted her as a person (although this is touched upon). I'm not really sure how much you would gain if you weren't planning a trip to Japan or if you aren't a fan of Christy already but I found this incredibly charming and surprisingly insightful. Definitely one of the best written travel guides and oneI found myself looking forward to read rather than trawling through for advice and tips.

I feel like this gave me enough of a taste of Japan to satiate me until my own trip in a couple of months time.

[Akriti Pandey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a delight to read and look at! Even though I don't think I have any plans of visiting Japan any time soon, I am fascinated by that place. I loved that this book was not the traditional travel guide, but an experience of an Australian girl who went there for a year. It covers personal experiences, challenges, personal favorites, and many tips and tricks. I really enjoyed the use of illustrations, and if you look closely, you'll notice the book features grid pages, giving it the illusion of a journal. The use of washi tapes in the original journal perhaps ,and then recreating that in this book was so genius. This book was so captivating and beautiful that even my husband, who isn’t much of a reader, asked to borrow it once I finished.

Overall, give this book a try, even if you don’t have plans to visit Japan. You’ll learn so much that you'll find yourself wanting to go there as soon as you finish reading.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

A memoir of the year that the author and her boyfriend spent in Tokyo as two young adults in their early 20s. Christy Anne Jones and her boyfriend apply for working holiday visas in Japan and are determined to eke out a living there somehow. Jones manages to make ends meet by teaching English to Japanese kids and taking the odd freelance writing gig (she doesn’t say what her boyfriend Tyler does). Money is tight and they subsist on kombini foodstuffs for the most part and try to walk as much as they can. They don’t manage to find a way to stay in Japan on a longer term basis as their Japanese isn’t good enough to find better paid employment but this memoir suggests that they made the most of their year abroad. An interesting read that’s a little different from the usual travel books and especially useful if you’re looking to experience Tokyo on a budget.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book became our local tour guide on our trip to Japan! My partner and I read this prior to our trip and ended up taking it with us to refer to. It helped us make sure that we booked the Ghibli Museum in advance (a highlight of our trip we would've been devastated about missing), gave us great restaurant recommendations, tips on the culture and etiquette and plenty of other recommendations of places to visit, which I won't give away here. The whole memoir is beautifully illustrated throughout and printed on high-quality paper. Each section is easy to find when quickly flicking through the book because of its unique illustrations, so it's quick and easy to refer to.
Thank you Christy for making this beautiful memoir which helped to make our trip so incredible :)

[Abigail Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been watching Christy on YouTube for a couple of years now so I was excited to see she came out with this book about her experience in Japan. I loved the cute illustrations, the historical facts, and the personal tips she’s added here and there. My favorite parts were probably her tips about Disney Sea & the Studio Ghibli Museum. I especially loved reading about her personal experience and showing the good and bad. Also, loved her spiel about chasing your dreams while you can instead of just wishing. I actually lived in Japan when I was a baby so I don’t remember anything so reading this makes me excited to revisit as an adult and follow her guide!

[Jess Dinning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir + travel guide is like a train. Spanning from one summer to another, 'A Year in Tokyo' winds its way through Japan’s capital, leisurely pausing in many different neighbourhoods for Jones to share her experiences. And she is an excellent tour guide. With a palpable awe for the magic of cities, Jones lays bare her life as an expat: the challenges of housing and work; the fun in daytrips and sightseeing; the joy of living in a country and culture that is not your own. With a conversational voice, detailed information and stunning illustrations, Christy Anne Jones plunges you deep into the city of Tokyo. She said she didn’t want to leave. Neither did I.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christy’s one of my favorite BookTubers so when I discovered she made this guide, I knew I had to read it.

I love how optimistic this book is. I can only imagine how hard the move from Australia to Japan would be, but she details her struggles and growth from those experiences quite beautifully. To think that she lived here at such a young age (21) while still doing schooling remotely is mind boggling and admirable.

From the illustrations to the handy dandy travel guide info, there’s something in here for everyone who’s even the slightest bit interested in Tokyo. Personally, I never considered a trip here until I read this. Her passion for this place is contagious!