Unbeaten Tracks in Japan by Isabella L. Bird is a fascinating travelogue that takes readers on a journey through the lesser-known regions of Japan in the 19th century. Bird's vivid descriptions and keen observations paint a vivid picture of a country undergoing rapid modernization and industrialization.

The author's adventurous spirit shines through as she recounts her encounters with local people, customs, and landscapes. From the bustling city of Tokyo to the serene beauty of Mount Fuji, Bird's narrative is imbued with a sense of wonder and curiosity that is infectious.

What sets this book apart is Bird's ability to capture the essence of Japan at a time when the country was still relatively unknown to the Western world. Her insights into Japanese society, culture, and traditions offer a unique perspective that is both enlightening and engaging.

Overall, Unbeaten Tracks in Japan is a compelling read that will appeal to anyone interested in travel, history, or Japan. Bird's engaging prose and adventurous spirit make this book a true delight to read, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after they have turned the final page.

Book Description:
Isabella Lucy Bird was a 19th century English traveller, writer, and natural historian. She was a sickly child, however, while she was travelling she was almost always healthy. Her first trip, in 1854, took her to America, visiting relatives. Her first book, The Englishwoman in America was published anonymously two years later.

Unbeaten Tracks in Japan is compiled of the letters she sent to her sister during her 7 months sojourn in Japan in 1878. Her travels there took her from Edo (now called Tokyo) through the interior - where she was often the first foreigner the locals had met - to Niigata, and from there to Aomori. There she crossed over to Yezo (Hokkaido), and her account on the life of the Ainu, an indigenous people of Japan, provides an interesting glimpse of days long past.