{"product_id":"tokyotheque-neighbourhoods-volume-2","title":"Tokyothèque Neighbourhoods: Volume 2","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePre-orders are now open to returning readers. Shipping begins on 1 October 2026, with the earliest orders dispatched first. Every pre-order will be individually numbered and signed.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eTokyothèque Neighbourhoods\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ereturns for a second volume, accompanying you through Tokyo one neighbourhood at a time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs more visitors follow the same itineraries circulated through social media, our guidebook offers a way to see the city on its own terms, without overwhelming either it or yourself.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCombining the precision of a design manual, the perspective of a cultural magazine and the curiosity of a travel journal, it belongs equally on the coffee table and in your hands as you walk through Tokyo.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Volume’s Neighbourhoods\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e① Kōenji:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e a low-rise town where counterculture and everyday life coexist without seeming at odds. Underground music venues, vintage boutiques and street performers sit alongside produce stores, cosy kissaten and local life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e② Asagaya:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ea quieter neighbourhood of residential streets and atmospheric alleyways, with a long association with writers, filmmakers and musicians. Asagaya’s cultural character is more understated, expressed through small cinemas, jazz bars and intimate restaurants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e③ Kichijōji:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e lively shopping arcades give way to residential streets and wooded parkland. Often cited as one of Tokyo’s most desirable places to live, Kichijōji brings together metropolitan convenience, independent culture and access to nature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese three neighbourhoods form a sequence along the west-central stretch of the Chūō Line. Each has a strong identity of its own, yet all belong to a broader corridor of low-rise neighbourhoods: refined but relaxed, residential yet culturally active. An entire trip could be spent exploring this section of the line, as we did while walking, photographing and mapping this edition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRefinements for Volume Two\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrawing from feedback on volume one, we have made a series of practical refinements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e⨁  Lay-flat binding\u003c\/strong\u003e keeps every map detail visible and allows double-page photographs to be viewed in full.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e⨁ Food photographs\u003c\/strong\u003e and concise notes from the places we ate and drank help you approach unfamiliar menus with greater confidence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e⨁ Opening hours\u003c\/strong\u003e for each listing have been verified wherever possible, reducing the chance of arriving to find somewhere closed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e⨁ More detailed maps\u003c\/strong\u003e now mark key street names, convenience stores, public facilities and places to rest along the way.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e⨁ Editorial features\u003c\/strong\u003e, including conversations with local business owners, add the reading experience of a magazine without compromising the book’s function as a guide.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e⨁ Layout tweaks\u003c\/strong\u003e to improve clarity, consistency and readability throughout.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese changes improve the book without altering the structure established in volume one. Once again, you can expect:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRigorous Context\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBefore each walk, three layers of context help you understand the neighbourhood:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e① Urban Form:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ehow the neighbourhood fits into the city, including its terrain, built environment and transport connections.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e② Historical Outline:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e the events, developments and social changes that have influenced the neighbourhood’s streets and character over time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e③ Everyday Culture:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e how people work, gather and express their tastes: the economies, social ties and creativity that give the area its atmosphere.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe right measure of context encourages more informed cultural engagement while leaving room for surprise, intuition and encounters of your own.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComprehensive Route\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith the context established, the route then provides a clear way around the neighbourhood without prescribing every moment of your time there. It is designed around three pillars:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e① Streets:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emany guides focus on lists of places to visit. We pay equal attention to the streets connecting them, highlighting and explaining each \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eyokochō\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eshōtengai\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and intriguing turning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e② Milestones:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e we’ve selected coffee shops, book and record stores, galleries, wayside shrines, sento bathhouses, quiet restaurants and lesser-known monuments. Together, they provide a structure for exploring the neighbourhood and a contemporary record of the area.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e③ Map:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e the map brings streets and milestones together in a precise point-to-point walking route. The printed version keeps the route in hand and your attention on the neighbourhood, while a QR code opens the route digitally for smartphone navigation alongside your own pins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou’ll come away with:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e→ A working grasp of Tokyo’s geography and inner logic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e→ A more nuanced understanding of Japanese urban life and design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e→ A cultivated eye for details that usually go unnoticed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e→ Greater confidence in exploring on your own terms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e→ A method you can carry into future travels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWalking Methodology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlongside the neighbourhood guides, the book includes the latest version of our reference section on walking Tokyo, setting out our principles and practical approach to:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eTime management\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eEnergy levels\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDisaster preparedness\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eEtiquette\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003ePhotography\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eLanguage\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eDining\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBathing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrint Specifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eProduction: Printed in Japan 🇯🇵\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eFormat: JIS B6 (128 × 182 mm)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eBinding: Lay-flat\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eCover: Softcover with dust jacket\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003ePaper: Lightly coated, finely grained stock\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003ePrinting: Full colour throughout\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003ePages: 228\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBathing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you’ve ever held a Japanese book crafted to this specification, you’ll know how naturally it sits in the hand and how easily it slips into a bag. JIS B6 has a distinctive balance: compact enough to carry throughout the day, but large enough for comfortable reading and full-page photography.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDigital Files \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncluded with every print edition or as a standalone eBook.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEPUB file, tidily formatted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eSeparate PDF containing all maps\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEven if travel is not imminent, volume two stands alone as a book to read and learn from, whether or not you own volume one.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe hope you’ll join us in creating a more sincere and considered way to travel and encounter culture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUntil we meet in Tokyo,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAJ \u0026amp; Kiara\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Print Edition","offer_id":58728223572293,"sku":null,"price":24.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Digital Download","offer_id":58728223605061,"sku":null,"price":14.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0927\/8203\/5269\/files\/tqn2_cover_530aaea2-084e-41e7-adc6-aacf3e93762d.jpg?v=1785499636","url":"https:\/\/shop.tokyotheque.com\/products\/tokyotheque-neighbourhoods-volume-2","provider":"Tokyothèque Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}