My first book, Intrepid Japan, is part of a new travel book series by Australian publisher Hardie Grant in partnership with Intrepid Travel. Broadly, it is a cultural exploration of and love letter to Japan, covering everything from the Tokyo chefs pushing the boundaries of innovative cuisine to the rural regions lost in time that view tourism as the panacea to their economic-depopulation woes. It is Japan beyond the cliches, an attempt at interpretation, and a guide to the country that shaped the majority of my 20s.
Published in April 2025, you can order it here.
Praise for Intrepid Japan
“[Intrepid Japan is] packed with fascinating insights into the country’s rich history and unique culture, along with fantastic recommendations for fun activities and off-the-beaten-path adventures. We discovered hidden gems we never would’ve found on our own. All of it is delivered in the author’s engaging, lighthearted, and warm voice.” — Amazon Reviews
“I am not a fan of travel books. Mostly I find them formulaic and anodyne. This is an exception. You feel the writer behind the words. This is a book that tells the journey.” — Amazon Reviews
“Intrepid Japan proves that, even in the age of AI, travel guides remain indispensable… The book’s ratio of insight to page count is remarkably high, and the writing is so smart. As a first-time visitor to Japan, I found myself reconsidering my choices of what to do and see…[Travel books] give directions, history, and recommendations, but they do not usually open doors. This one did… And if there is one lesson from this book, it is this: do not go with the flow. Ask for the thing you want. You might just get it.” — Goodreads