
Heading to Kyoto soon? Simply want to know more about Japan’s ancient capital? We have the perfect book and DVD for you—and you could win them by answering one easy question!
Remember Stone Bridge Press? The nice people who gave us a whole load of copies of The Anime Encyclopedia to give away just last year? Well they’re back for another spurt of Japan-related generosity, and this time they have not one but two things to give away to one lucky RocketNews24 reader!
“Among the world’s most cherished ancient cities, Kyoto, Japan, is perfect for exploring on foot. Richly detailed and small enough to fit in a jacket pocket, Exploring Kyoto is an essential guide to becoming an enlightened pedestrian in the area once known as Yamashiro (“the back of the mountains”). Thoroughly revised and updated, this edition of Exploring Kyoto offers two new routes and spans a spectrum of geographical and cultural topography, from bustling downtown quarters to remote mountaintops, hip eateries to ancient shrines.”
“Master film director Kon Ichikawa (1915~2008) along with many of Japan’s most important artists presents the treasures of one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Kyoto, Japan. Filmed at the Ryoanji Temple Stone Garden, the Meditation Hall of Tenryuji Temple, a Geisha residence, the Moss Garden of Saihoji Temple, the Katsura Imperial Villa and the Gion Festival.”
So, how do you go about getting your hands on the book and DVD? To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is tell us, in no more than 200 words:
If you had 24 hours in Kyoto, what would you do?
Easy enough, right? To enter, simply ‘Like’ RocketNews24 on Facebook and send us a message via our Facebook page in the following format:
Re: Kyoto Giveaway
Your full name:
Country:
Contact email address:
Your witty, creative answer:
The rules:
– Only one entry per person, please.
– You have until midnight (JST) on January 22, 2016 to enter.
– By entering, you allow RocketNews24 to publish your name and country on our website when announcing the winner. You also permit RocketNews24 to share your contact details with Stone Bridge Press for the purpose of mailing your prize.
– No cash alternative, no bribes (unless they’re, like, millions of dollars), no holding puppies hostage, etc etc.
The best answers will be chosen by a our staff and the good folks at Stone Bridge Press and the winners announced towards the end of the month, so stay tuned! In the meantime, be sure to give Stone Bridge Press some love on Facebook—it’s not every day that publishers contact us with cool freebies to give away!
Photos courtesy of Stone Bridge Press







Is this your lucky day? Announcing the winner of our Kyoto book and DVD giveaway!
It’s huge!! Win a copy of The Anime Encyclopedia 3rd Revised Edition! 【Contest closed】
Promotional event convinces us Kyoto’s Uji City is an area worth both exploring and tasting!
Five nature hikes and trail runs just off Japan’s bullet train
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
7-Eleven Japan releases new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing range for autumn, with a must-try daifuku and teriyaki burger
New Japanese convenience store rice balls taste like instant noodles [Taste test]
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Kobe middle schools begin abolishing extracurricular activities, shift to community programs
Starbucks Japan releases new coffee table book featuring 18 of the most unique stores around the country
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
Japan’s Tsukimi One-hand Bento’s name is all wrong, but it still looks entirely delicious
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】