Rising Sun, Endless Wonder: A Journey Through Japan's History, Culture, and Unforgettable Places

Discover Japan beyond the postcards.

Japan is a country where the ancient and modern exist side by side. Centuries-old temples stand within reach of neon-lit cities, the legacy of the samurai survives alongside bullet trains, and traditions shaped over generations remain part of everyday life.

Rising Sun, Endless Wonder takes readers on a sweeping journey through the remarkable story of Japan, from its ancient origins and legendary gods to the dynamic nation we know today.

Travel back to the world of the Jomon and Japan's earliest civilizations. Witness the rise of emperors and the elegant courts of Nara and Kyoto. Enter the age of the samurai and shoguns, experience the turmoil of the Warring States period, and discover how centuries of peace under the Tokugawa transformed Japanese society and culture.

Follow Japan through the arrival of the modern world, the Meiji Restoration, industrialization, war and destruction, and the extraordinary postwar transformation that helped create one of the world's most advanced societies.
Along the way, discover the history behind some of Japan's most enduring traditions and cultural treasures, including Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, samurai, castles, poetry, art, kabuki, traditional neighborhoods, sacred mountains, modern cities, and the landscapes that have inspired generations.

Drawing on nearly twenty years of travel through Japan, including two years living in the country, author Coni Chavez combines history with personal experience to bring Japan's past to life.

Written for travelers, history lovers, and anyone fascinated by Japanese culture, Rising Sun, Endless Wonder offers an accessible and engaging introduction to one of the world's most remarkable civilizations.

Whether you are preparing for your first journey to Japan, returning to a country you already love, or exploring it from home, this book will help you see Japan with a deeper understanding of the stories behind its temples, cities, traditions, and people.

Japan is more than a destination. It is thousands of years of history waiting to be discovered.