Osaka Pocket Precincts

by Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh

Published 2 September 2020
Osaka Pocket Precincts is your curated guide to the city's best cultural, shopping, eating and drinking experiences.

Osakais Japan's third largest city, often thought ofas 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.

Divided into separate precincts, each section in Osaka Pocket Precincts takes in one of Osaka's major areas, listing the best shops, restaurants, bars and sights to see in the area, with insider reviews of both outstanding attractions and hidden gems, as well as easy-to-use maps.

Osaka Pocket Precincts also includes a selection of 'field trips' that encourages you to venture further afield to Nara, Wakayama, and the spiritual retreat of Mount Koya and Arima Onsen.


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. In a compact, light paperback format perfect for slipping into your back pocket, Kyoto Pocket Precincts is your curated guide to the city's most interesting cultural, shopping, eating and drinking experiences.

Divided into separate precincts, each section lists the best shops, restaurants, bars and sights to see in the area. There are also a selection of 'field trips' that encourage you to venture outside the city, on the Eizan and Nara train lines, and to Arashiyama.

With a beautiful design, vibrant images and detailed reviews, you'll easily navigate Kyoto's ancient pathways and bonsai gardens. Konnichi-wa and welcome to Kyoto!



Tokyo is a city like no other, a looming contemporary metropolis where every turn is a new adventure. There are bright lights and neon, bars under railway bridges, Michelin ramen and sushi, tech, toys and vintage shopping. In a compact, light paperback format perfect for slipping into your back pocket, Tokyo Pocket Precincts is your curated guide to the city's most interesting cultural, shopping, eating and drinking experiences.

Divided into separate precincts, each section lists the best shops, restaurants, bars and sights to see in the area, from your morning coffee to your evening on the town. The guide covers Shibuya, Yoyogi, Harajuku, Aoyama, Roppongi, Ginza, Tokyo Station, Akihabara, Ueno, Asakusa & Yanaka, Shinjuku, Koenji, Kichijoji, Shimokitazawa, Ebisu, Daikanyama & Nakameguro, and Meguro.

Also included is a selection of 'field trips' to encourage you to explore outside the city, including Nikko, Hakone, Mount Takao, and the cute 'Eno-den' train from Kamakura to Enoshima and Fujisawa.