Not only do you learn about the various ingredients which are indigenous to the country, and essential to their cuisine but it is a trip thoughout the country, through pictures and text to the wonderful sights and aromas of this mysterious land. Familiar foods are prepared in totally different ways, and new ones are there to explore. With the advent of many ethnic food shops and open markets catering to many different cuisines one is now able to put a Japanese dish on your own table. Good reading without cooking as well.