3054
Floating Books - Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka precinct guides
Michelle and Steve create thoughtful and unique travel publications - specialising in Japan, and edgy pop culture, music, craft and art books.
When they're not working on one of their own books, or travelling, they design and art direct books on cookery, lifestyle, gardening and sustainability for other authors and publishers.
Michelle Mackintosh is an award-winning book designer and illustrator with a degree in Graphic Design. She works closely with publishers to design lifestyle and cultural books on subjects ranging from cooking, craft, pop culture, gardening, city guides and diaries. She loves making things by hand.
Steve Wide is a Writer and DJ. He has a long-running radio show Far and Wide on 3RRRFM. He has a master's in creative writing from RMIT.
Together and separately they make and design books on subjects they are passionate about.
They are obsessive Japanophiles, spending around three months of each year in Tokyo – their home away from home. Together, they have written, photographed and designed four books on Japanese culture: Tokyo Precincts (2015), Onsen of Japan (2018), and Tokyo (2018). Their books have been co-editioned and translated into 4 languages.
The Boroughs has been the launch venue for a number of Michelle and Steve's books and others they have contributed to.
Tokyo Pocket Precincts (2019)
Beautifully curated and designed guide to Tokyo now available in the smaller and lighter pocket size. It is a condensed version of the best-selling Tokyo Precincts - if you are looking to find some special places that are not typically found in guide books this is the one you need to have before traveling to Tokyo.
It's clear to see why Tokyo is a source of fascination for travellers. Buzzing streets filled with colourful lights; Harajuku, the fashion-obsessed youth destination; high-end food halls crammed with delicious food and drink and much, much more! Tokyo Precincts is a curated guide to the city's best shops, eateries, bars and other must-see hangouts, for those looking to delve into the heart of the culture of this fascinating city.
Divided into chapters with itineraries for 20 precincts, this book offers tailor-made ways to discover Tokyo's very best shopping, eating and drinking experiences, suited to a variety of budgets and preferences.
Also included are interviews with some of Tokyo's stylish, creative types, who highlight their favourite haunts to ensure you can get in amongst the trendiest of the locals to see what life in Tokyo is really like. With informative precinct maps, and valuable information such as typical Japanese food and drinks (stylishly illustrated at the start of the book) Tokyo Precincts is the only guide you'll need to the city.
Find all the hidden spots as well as some must-see essentials in Tokyo.
Measurements: 18cm x 13cm / 213 pages
Full Colour
Printed in Australia
Kyoto Pocket Precincts (2017)
Steeped in history, tradition and beauty, Kyoto reflects the changing of the seasons more than any other city in the world. There are 2000 temples and shrines to visit, the intricate culture of Geisha, tea houses, Zen gardens, and artisan crafts that are just as important today as they were a thousand years ago. There are beautiful restaurants in centuries-old houses, but also some of the best street food in the world. In this pocket-size travel guide, seasoned travellers Steve and Michelle offer a curated list of the very best cultural, shopping, eating and drinking experiences in Kyoto. There are also a selection of 'field trips' that encourage you to venture outside the city, and a fold-out map to make touring a breeze. With a beautiful design, vibrants images and detailed reviews, you’ll easily navigate the city’s ancient pathways, through to its bonsai gardens. Konnichi-wa and welcome to Kyoto!
Measurements: 18cm x 13cm / 173 pages
Full Colour
Printed in Australia
Osaka Pocket Precincts (2020)
A guide to the best of Osaka, plus day trips further afield. Osaka is Japan's third-largest city, often thought of as Tokyo's brash, messy, and always hungry cousin. Known for its street food, friendly locals, and a thriving band scene, Osaka also knows how to go large. At night, neon signs guide you to tiny bars, live music, and unique places to drink and dance. Osaka Pocket Precincts is crammed with all the tips you'll need to shop, eat, drink and explore this frenetic city, from the world-class Osaka Aquarium, Osaka Castle, Harry Potter World and Spa World (a super sento bathing complex), to the giant effigies of pufferfish, crabs and gyoza dumplings that line the colorful streets around Dotonbori. Head to old town Shinsekai for Japan's favorite street foods, okonomiyaki, takoyaki and kushikatsu. Shop with Osaka's design crowd on hip Orange Street, stopping for the perfect cup of syphoned coffee or craft beer. This curated guide covers all the major areas, the best ramen hotspots, vintage shops, backstreet bars, and coffee joints sprinkled throughout the city. Maps are included to help you navigate the city streets and attractions. And you'll find recommended field trips outside the city to Nara, Wakayama, the spiritual retreat of Mount Koya, and Arima Onsen. Slip this guide into your pocket and head off to experience the very best of Osaka.
Measurements: 18cm x 13cm / 179 pages
Full Colour
Printed in Australia
Related products
