*This article contains promotional material.
*The images and quotes in this article are used for the purpose of introducing the work. Copyright belongs to the author and publisher.
The purpose of this article
In this article, we will review Ishizaka Kenta's manga "Zatsu Tabi" and consider the theme of "the nature of modern travel."
While avoiding spoilers, we will delve into the relationship between travel and social media, and the "value of chance" in our information society.
basic information
Title: A Journey
Author: Kenta Ishizaka
Publisher: KADOKAWA
Published in: Dengeki Maoh
Source: "Zatsu Tabi" official website (KADOKAWA Dengeki Maoh)
https://dengekimaoh.jp/
Genre: Daily Life
Number of volumes: 13 (as of October 2025)
Introduction
"Zatsu Tabi" is a slice-of-life manga that explores the themes of travel and human connections in the age of social media. It lightly depicts the "reality of travel" in an information society.
"I just felt like going somewhere."
I'm sure there are times when you, our readers, suddenly feel like going on a leisurely trip somewhere.
This manga depicts such a leisurely journey in a rough and casual manner.
The title "Zatsu Tabi" is an abbreviation of "Zatsuna Tabi" (rough travel), and describes the protagonist's style of traveling, which is triggered by sudden ideas or suggestions from readers, rather than by making detailed plans.
The genre is "travel, everyday life, and comedy." Set in various parts of Japan, it features a wide range of scenes, from tourist spots to local gourmet food and everyday scenes.
More than just a travel manga, it is attracting attention as a work that allows readers to experience the "joy of traveling itself" and the "charm of spontaneous travel."
I want to go on a trip somewhere - I have a vague feeling like that
Fun encounters await in many places
Synopsis
The protagonist of the story is a rookie manga artist. Chika Suzugamori.
One day, she asked her followers on social media, "Where should I go next?", and that's when her "Zatsu Tabi" began. She decided on her travels around the country, using her unique style of deciding her travel destinations based on the comments and survey results she received.
The series depicts a reader-participatory journey that takes readers to hot spring resorts, regional cities rich in nature, tourist attractions, and even niche local areas.
Each story is basically a self-contained one, and the charm of the series is that it humorously depicts encounters, meals, and mishaps that occur on the journey, making the reader feel as if they are traveling along with the author.
The charm of the characters
Chika Suzugamori
The main character is a manga artist. He works as a freelancer and sets off on a journey while facing deadlines.
・Although he is cheerful, positive, and proactive, he also has many gaps in his personality.
- Her "easygoing" and "positive" attitude give the reader a sense of security, and her drive drives the entire story.
People you meet everywhere
-The proprietress of a hot spring inn, someone at a tourist information center, an elderly woman living locally, a traveler who happens to be there, etc.
・The characters generally only appear in one episode, but they have a presence that gives off a local warmth.
Social media followers
・Although he does not appear directly, he plays an important role in guiding Chika's journey.
- The comments and voting results in response to the question "Where should we go?" shape the course of the journey and make the work unique.
Deciding your destination on social media is unique and fun.
Random elements make things more exciting
The significance of travel in modern society
In this information society, when you open social media, travel tends to be completed with a simple "search," but the protagonist chooses to go to the location and experience the "difference from the actual experience."
For example, there are inconveniences and setbacks such as "the hotel is fully booked," "the trains are closed at certain times," and "I ended up in a different place than the information said," but once the trip is over, all of those hardships become good memories. You can dive into a world you've never known and experience it with your whole body. You can have experiences that you can't get just by opening your smartphone and using your eyes and ears.
"Zatsu Tabi" is a work that depicts the "redefinition of travel in the digital age." In today's world, where social media and information are overflowing, the essence of travel is not "efficiency" but "serendipity," and it is precisely "outside of convenience" that encounters with people and moving experiences can be found. The value of inefficiency can be gleaned from this work.
Imagery and atmosphere
Kenta Ishizaka's illustrations are simple yet warm. They are not too detailed and have a friendly touch, giving them a softness that is perfect for a travel manga.
The landscape descriptions are particularly excellent, depicting tourist signs, cityscapes, and the beauty of nature realistically yet with a warm, cartoonish quality.
Another big attraction of Chika is the richness of her facial expressions, which she expresses with surprise, emotion, laughter, and occasional confusion, eliciting sympathy from readers.
Memorable scenes
- The moment when you decide on your destination on social media
→While wondering, "Is it really okay to be so careless?", there is an exciting feeling as the journey unfolds in an interesting direction. It is roughly divided into north, south, east, and west, but it is enjoyable to read. It is a new way of making choices in the modern age, where we no longer have to make them on our own. - An episode of failing to find accommodation
→Happenings that are unique to a carefree trip. Realistic "travel incidents" are easy for readers to empathize with. Getting the train operating period wrong, or not being able to easily find a place to stay, may be the best part of a carefree trip. - Discovering small landscapes
→It's not just flashy tourist spots, but also things like climbing the stairs of a temple only to find there's nothing but forest behind you, or a beautiful view from a train. Small snapshots of scenery can really stay in your mind.
Recommended for:
・People who like travel and travel manga
・People who want to enjoy the "extraordinary in everyday life" rather than sightseeing spots
・People who want to start something new through social media or connections with others
・People looking for a comical manga that is easy to read
・People who prefer spontaneous travel rather than making plans
Similar works
・"Laid-Back Camp△" (Afro)
→ A daily life outdoor manga. The story of a high school girl growing up through camping has something in common with "Zatsu Tabi."
・"Wandering Son" (Takako Shimura)
→Although the genres are different, they are similar in that they depict human relationships and emotions through travel and movement.
・"Sauna" (by Tanaka Katsuki)
→This work is about visiting saunas rather than travel destinations, but the introduction of spots and the relaxed attitude of the main character are similar.
People grow through a variety of experiences.
Sometimes there's value in inefficiency and inconvenience
Q&A
Q: Do the places depicted actually exist?
A: Yes. Many of the tourist spots and foods that appear in the story actually exist. Many readers visit the places that inspired the stories, so it's possible to enjoy them like a pilgrimage.
Q: Don't you get bored of travel manga?
A: "Zatsu Tabi" depicts different places and experiences each time, so it doesn't get boring. What's more, the participatory element via social media keeps it fresh.
Q: Are there any serious elements?
A: It's generally bright and comical, but there are also scenes that touch on encounters with people on the journey and outlook on life, and there are also some moments that are slightly sad and thought-provoking.
summary
As the title suggests, "Zatsu Tabi" is a manga that depicts the small emotions and joys that can be found from a "journey that starts off roughly."
The greatest appeal of this work is the encounters and experiences that arise from relying on chance rather than pre-established harmony. Reading it has the power to make you feel like "I want to go on a spontaneous trip too."
The illustrations are easy to read and it can also be enjoyed as a tourist guide, so it is recommended not only for travel lovers but also for those looking for a little excitement in their daily lives.
It's okay to travel alone
You can travel together
It's a manga that makes you want to travel. Check out the rest of the story at the link below.
Purchase Link
Other works by the author
Ishizaka Kenta has also published stand-alone works and short manga, and is skilled at depicting the extraordinary and heartwarming human relationships that exist within the everyday. There are many manga with a travel theme, but "Zatsu Tabi" teaches us that "chance" is the essence of travel. After reading it, you'll want to go out on a weekend trip - this is a book that will encourage you to take such small actions.
If you enjoyed "Zatsu Tabi," you should definitely check out the author's other works.
Related articles
We also introduce other works set in travel and rural areas.
If you're interested, check out this article too 👇
▶ "Barakamon" - Relaxing with the people and life in the countryside
▶ "Mountains, Appetite, and Me" - A female mountain climber heading out to the mountains
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