Every country has cities that represent it. The capital is usually one, and there are also places renowned for their resorts or tourism. That’s why, when traveling to any country, people tend to visit these key cities.
사진 확대 Kyoto, Japan / Photo = Unsplash
In Japan, for example, Tokyo as the capital is central, along with inland cities like Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. To the north is Sapporo, and to the south, Okinawa. Especially for first-time visitors, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are must-see destinations. These cities are rich in culture, offering a true sense of Japan’s atmosphere.
Yeocheok Jeocheok introduces a guidebook for Osaka and the Kansai region, published by a company specializing in travel maps.
Aiden Osaka Kansai Kyoto Kobe Nara 2026-2027 by Lee Jeong-gi, Tabula Rasa l Tabula Rasa
사진 확대 Photo = Tabula Rasa
There is someone who has been creating travel content for 19 years and proudly calls himself a travel content expert to the core. In 2020, he was named as one of the few tourism ventures selected by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), and his travel guidebook became an annual bestseller in the travel section at Kyobo Book Centre.
In particular, the Aiden travel maps, which stick to an analog approach, have sold over 100,000 copies annually. There must be a reason why people choose physical maps over digital convenience. Author Lee Jeong-gi focused on the ‘analog sensibility.’ The result is the travel guidebook titled ‘Aiden Osaka Kansai Kyoto Kobe Nara 2026-2027.’
사진 확대 Photo = Tabula Rasa
The book stands out for its more than 150 detailed maps. The author, who believes that nothing is more useful than a map when planning a trip, and readers who share that sentiment, will appreciate it. He explained that he crafted the maps with care so travelers can fully understand the regions they plan to visit, and recommends planning trips around these maps.
According to surveys of many travelers, unlike the days before smartphones, people rarely carry guidebooks while moving around. Instead, they tend to open the book before the trip or at their accommodation to plan the next day’s itinerary.
사진 확대 Photo = Tabula Rasa
In this regard, the author pointed out that the essential reason for purchasing a guidebook with maps is to alleviate travel anxiety. A thin guidebook with just a few pages cannot provide enough information to ease those concerns.
For this reason, there was no need to artificially reduce the thickness of the book. While it may feel heavy to carry, most people keep it in their suitcase, so the book is packed with ample information. The sheer volume—about 900 pages—proves this. It includes over 150 maps for easy route planning and detailed listings of 2,000 destinations and restaurants in Osaka and the Kansai region.
사진 확대 Photo = Tabula Rasa
A team of more than ten guidebook writers spent over a year providing detailed introductions to food, cafes, drugstores, and landmarks, as well as comparison charts that answer questions such as how to purchase transportation passes. The author expressed his desire to break the misconception that analog is outdated or inferior and promised to continue providing travel information in this analog format. He added that he will keep offering the unique ‘convenience’ of analog paper until the very end, something digital devices cannot replicate.
※ ‘Yeocheok Jeocheok’ is an ambitious project to gather and introduce all the travel books scattered ‘here and there’ around the world. Professional publishers and individual travelers’ books are both welcome. From travel guidebooks to essays and photobooks, any topic is acceptable. If you wish to promote a travel-themed book, knock on the door of ‘Yeocheok Jeocheok.’
Jang Joo-young
AloJapan.com