The Thousands

Would you trust a bumbag? Would you ask the fool wearing one to point out a choice bar in the vicinity? Would you ask them for a nearby gallery? No You Would Not, so you’re not interested in the travel guide book they’re using. Whenever you step out into the great whoosh of world travel your first move is in the opposite direction from those poor clowns rocking the bumbag/sun visor combo.

This method of navigation is primitive, but luckily some creative kids are working to fill the gaps. Whether you’re heading to Tokyo for reals or just in your wildest dreams, these sparkly zines are here to help. They point out the bars, cafes, galleries, bookshops, fashion and lifestyle to which you would like to become accustomed.

Ebony Bizys’ Hello Sandwich Tokyo Guide is your cheat sheet to a life of Tokyo leisure. Ebony has lined up all her favourite ‘burbs and listed their sweetest attractions, from creative spaces to drinking places. She’s also included user-friendly maps and transport tips. Eloise Rapp’s My Tokyo is a bible for fashion fans and design die-hards. It’s a total tease for the budget traveller, but the cashed-up can thank Eloise for taking the hard work out of wicked Tokyo style. Burn your Lonely Planet.