Passage to Tokyo: A Novel

by Poppy Kuroki

Overview

In the second book in the Ancestor Memories historical fantasy series, a young woman finds herself back in 1920s Tokyo as Japan enters a new and dangerous era—and a deadly tragedy awaits her city.

Yui Sanada struggles to raise her twelve-year-old brother, Hiro, while contending with the antics of their neglectful, alcoholic mother. During a trip to Ueno Park, Hiro runs away from his sister into a strange passage beneath a samurai statue. Yui chases after him and soon finds herself in a Tokyo far removed from the familiar world of 1995. 

When Yui emerges from the tunnel, she cannot find Hiro but meets a young woman named Chiyo and her family and learns she has traveled back through time to 1923. As feelings between the two women develop, Yui and realizes it’s just weeks before the devastating Great Kanto Earthquake will happen, killing tens of thousands and leveling the city. Will Yui be able to find her brother and save her new family from the coming disaster? 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798228690554
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	01/27/2026
Edition description:	Unabridged
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 7.50(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Poppy Kuroki is the author of Gate to Kagoshima, the first Ancestor Memories novel. She was born in Scotland, grew up in England, and lived in Japan, where she worked as a writer and freelance editor. She lives in London with her son.

Editorial Reviews

“Kuroki launches a historical romantasy series with this addictive, high-concept epic that travels from the modern day to 1870s Japan. . . . . Isla’s foreknowledge keeps the stakes of the love story sky-high against the vivid, wonderfully detailed backdrop of feudal Japan. Readers won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough.”  - Publishers Weekly on Gate to Kagoshima
“Gate to Kagoshima is steeped in rich historical detail, blending samurai battles with a heartfelt romance that heightens the stakes. The novel's smooth pacing and immersive setting will captivate fans of historical fiction, especially those drawn to time-travel stories with a balance of action and emotional depth. Perfect for readers who appreciate both history and love woven into their adventures.” - Booklist on Gate to Kagoshima
“Fans of Outlander will appreciate Kuroki’s treatment of a familiar story, while the Japanese setting, language, and culture sprinkled throughout are a fresh addition to the genre.” - Library Journal on Gate to Kagoshima
"Gate to Kagoshima is an action-packed adventure that opens in Scotland and makes its way to Kagoshima, Japan, as our heroine flees the ghosts of relationships past only to find new loves―and new heartbreak. Set at the close of the Samurai era, the story blends Outlander by way of Before the Coffee Gets Cold." - Marie Claire on Gate to Kagoshima
“This book has taught me a great deal, especially about Japan’s Satsuma Rebellion and a little bit of Japanese history. It’s an atmospheric journey through history that also provides my romantasy fix.” - Book Riot on Gate to Kagoshima
"With its mixture of Scottish and Japanese culture, this romance is perhaps my most anticipated release of the year!" - BookTrib on Gate to Kagoshima
"Compulsively readable, historically grounded, and irresistibly immersive, Gate to Kagoshima is an unforgettable tale of duty, and of timeless love." - Novels Alive on Gate to Kagoshima
“Compulsively readable, historically grounded, and irresistibly immersive, Gate to Kagoshima is an unforgettable tale of duty, and of timeless love.” - Reactor on Gate to Kagoshima
"As a die-hard fan of Diana Gabaldon’s time-travelling Outlander books, this is going to fill the gap nicely as I wait for book 10. . . . Honestly, this is right up my Jamie Fraser-loving alley." - New Scientist on Gate to Kagoshima

From the Publisher