100 Best Japan Travel Guide Books of All Time

We've ranked the best japan travel guide books using expert recommendations, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. At Shortform, we know books. Our book guides are the best in the world. Learn why.

A Geek in Japan: Discovering the Land of Manga, Anime, Zen, and the Tea Ceremony book cover1

A Geek in Japan: Discovering the Land of Manga, Anime, Zen, and the Tea Ceremony

Hector Garcia

5.0
For every fan of manga, anime, J-pop, or Zen, A Geek in Japan is a hip, smart and concise guide to the land that is their source.

Comprehensive and well informed, it covers a wide array of topics in short articles accompanied by sidebars and numerous photographs, providing a lively digest of the society and culture of Japan. Designed to appeal to the generations of Westerners who grew up on Pokemon
Timothy Ferriss portraitDerek Sivers portrait Recommended by Timothy Ferriss and Derek Sivers.
2

Japan (Lonely Planet Guide)

Chris Rowthorn, Ray Bartlett, Justin Ellis

4.7
A long-term Kyoto resident is the lead author of this in-depth book--the onlyguide to fully cover Hokkaido, Okinawa, Amami-Oshima, and Yoron-to. ofcolor. 154 maps.
Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan book cover3

Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan

Jake Adelstein

4.6
A riveting true-life tale of newspaper noir and Japanese organized crime from an American investigative journalist.

Jake Adelstein is the only American journalist ever to have been admitted to the insular Tokyo Metropolitan Police Press Club, where for twelve years he covered the dark side of Japan: extortion, murder, human trafficking, fiscal corruption, and of course, the yakuza. But when his fin
Ben Smith portrait Recommended by Ben Smith.
4

Convenience Store Woman

Sayaka Murata, Ginny Tapley Takemori

4.5
The surprise hit of the summer and winner of Japan's prestigious Akutagawa Prize, Convenience Store Woman is the incomparable story of Keiko Furukura, a thirty-six-year-old Tokyo resident who has been working at the Hiiromachi "Smile Mart" for the past eighteen years. Keiko has never fit in, neither in her family, nor in school, but in her convenience store, she is able to find peace and purpose w
Candace Bushnell portraitLinda Flores portrait Recommended by Candace Bushnell and Linda Flores.
Candace Bushnell portrait
Candace Bushnell

Love this book #ConvenienceStoreWoman. It’s also very funny. https://t.co/1On1xoprYH [source]

Linda Flores portrait
Linda Flores

Convenience Store Woman says something about how we articulate subjectivity when social norms impose limitations on our individual identity. [source]

Rice, Noodle, Fish: Deep Travels Through Japan's Food Culture book cover5

Rice, Noodle, Fish: Deep Travels Through Japan's Food Culture

Matt Goulding

4.5
2016 Travel Book of the Year by the Society of American Travel WritersFinalist for the 2016 IACP Awards: Literary Food Writing

Named one of the Financial Times' "Best Books of 2016"

An innovative new take on the travel guide, Rice, Noodle, Fish decodes Japan's extraordinary food culture through a mix of in-depth narrative and insider advice, along with 195 color photographs. In this 5000-mile jour
6

Lonely Planet Tokyo

Lonely Planet, Rebecca Milner, et al.

4.5
Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher

Lonely Planet Tokyo is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Spend all-night in a karaoke parlour in Shinjuku, walk the forest path to Tokyo's largest Shinto shrine, Meiji-jingu, or sample the delights of Mitsukoshi's food hall -all with your trusted travel com
7

Etiquette Guide to Japan: Know the Rules that Make the Difference!

Boye Lafayette De Mente

4.5
Farewell to faux pas!

Minding your manners is an acquired skill, but what serves you well elsewhere could trip you up in Japan. Save yourself possible embarrassment with Etiquette Guide to Japan. An inside look at Japanese social graces, it answers all the questions of the thoughtful traveler. Extensive, specific information on Japanese business etiquette assists readers traveling to Japan for busi
Japanese Stories for Language Learners: Bilingual Stories in Japanese and English (MP3 Audio Disc Included) book cover8

Japanese Stories for Language Learners: Bilingual Stories in Japanese and English (MP3 Audio Disc Included)

Anne McNulty

4.4
A great story can lead a reader down a rabbit hole of discovery--especially if it's presented in two languages! Beautifully illustrated in a traditional style, Japanese Stories for Language Learners offers five compelling stories with Japanese and English language versions appearing on facing pages. Taking learners on an exciting cultural and linguistic journey, each story is followed by detailed
Abroad in Japan: The No. 1 Sunday Times Bestseller book cover9

Abroad in Japan: The No. 1 Sunday Times Bestseller

Chris Broad

4.4
10

Hokkaido Highway Blues: Hitchhiking Japan

Will Ferguson

4.4
It had never been done before. Not in 4000 years of Japanese recorded history had anyone followed the Cherry Blossom Front from one end of the country to the other. Nor had anyone hitchhiked the length of Japan. But, heady on sakura and sake, Will Ferguson bet he could do both. The resulting travelogue is one of the funniest and most illuminating books ever written about Japan. And, as Ferguson le
11

Tokyo on Foot: Travels in the City's Most Colorful Neighborhoods

Florent Chavouet

4.4
Florent Chavouet, a young graphic artist, spent six months exploring Tokyo while his girlfriend interned at a company there. Each day he would set forth, with a pouch full of colored pencils and a sketchpad, to visit different neighborhoods. This stunning book records the city that he got to know during his adventures, a gritty, vibrant place, full of ordinary people going about their daily lives.
Ramen at Home: The Easy Japanese Cookbook for Classic Ramen and Bold New Flavors book cover12

Ramen at Home: The Easy Japanese Cookbook for Classic Ramen and Bold New Flavors

Brian MacDuckston

4.4


From Tokyo to your table: Learn just how easy making real ramen can be with Ramen at Home.

Every bowl of ramen is filled with warm broth, hearty noodles, and the savory taste of comfort. But between complicated recipes and hard-to-find ingredients, many ramen lovers settle for the instant alternatives to get their fix. Ramen at Home offers simple, step-by-step recipes for authentic and creative h

13

The Roads to Sata: A 2000-Mile Walk Through Japan

Alan Booth

4.4
ALAN BOOTH'S CLASSIC OF MODERN TRAVEL WRITING

Traveling only along small back roads, Alan Booth traversed Japan's entire length on foot, from Soya at the country's northernmost tip, to Cape Sata in the extreme south, across three islands and some 2,000 miles of rural Japan. The Roads to Sata is his wry, witty, inimitable account of that prodigious trek.

Although he was a city person--he was brought
14

Fodor's Essential Japan

Fodor's Travel Guides

4.3
Learning Japanese Workbook for Beginners: Hiragana Katakana And Kanji - Quick and Easy Way to Learn the Basic Japanese Up-to 300 Pages (EXPANDED EDITION) book cover15

Learning Japanese Workbook for Beginners: Hiragana Katakana And Kanji - Quick and Easy Way to Learn the Basic Japanese Up-to 300 Pages (EXPANDED EDITION)

Just Reality

4.3

Master Japanese Language: Hiragana, Katakana & Kanji Workbook for Beginners(Updated & Revised - 100% NO AI. Trusted by thousands of learners)Stop Buying Incomplete WorkbooksMany beginner Japanese workbooks stop at Hiragana and Katakana. This workbook goes further by including Kanji, giving you a more complete path to reading and writing Japanese.What You’ll Learn in This Japanese Learning BookThis

16

Moon Japan: Plan Your Trip, Avoid the Crowds, and Experience the Real Japan

Jonathan DeHart

4.3
From the world's busiest intersection to the most serene hot springs, modernity and tradition mingle in Japan. Experience the natural wonder and rich culture of a country unlike any other with Moon Japan. Inside you'll find:

Flexible itineraries including a two week 'Best of Japan' and a week in and around Tokyo

Strategic advice for spiritual seekers, anime fans, foodies, fashionistas, hikers, and m
17

A Year in Japan

Kate T. Williamson

4.3
The Land of the Rising Sun is shining brightly across the American cultural landscape. Recent films such as Lost in Translation and Memoirs of a Geisha seem to have made everyone an expert on Japan, even if they've never been there. But the only way for a Westerner to get to know the real Japan is to become a part of it. Kate T. Williamson did just that, spending a year experiencing, studying, and
18

Japan - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs Culture

Paul Norbury and Culture Smart!

4.3
Culture Smart! Japan will guide you through modern Japan’s shifting social and cultural maze. It provides invaluable insights into people’s attitudes and behavior, and practical tips to help make your visit to this complex, rich, and dynamic society a mutually rewarding experience. Today Japan is at a crossroads. The postwar economic miracle is over and the balance of power in Asia is shifting as
Japan Map (National Geographic Adventure Map, 3023) book cover19

Japan Map (National Geographic Adventure Map, 3023)

National Geographic Maps

4.3

• Waterproof • Tear-Resistant • Travel MapExplore the Land of the Rising Sun with National Geographic's expertly researched Japan Adventure Map. The user-friendly design combined with unparalleled detail provides adventure travelers the ultimate tool for exploring this island nation.Coverage includes the four main islands of Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, as well as the southeastern tip of

20

Super Cheap Japan: Budget Travel in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima and Surrounding Areas

Matthew Baxter, Luis Lira, et al.

4.3
Super Cheap Japan is the ultimate budget travel guide to Japan, full of the most useful, up-to-date information for a cheap holiday in Japan. With extensive tax-free shopping, crazily discounted train passes and an unbelievable exchange rate, there has never been a better time to visit. Unlike other guides, this book shows you exactly how, where and when you can save money. Go shopping for $4 clot
Japan: The Cookbook book cover21

Japan: The Cookbook

Nancy Singleton Hachisu

4.3
The definitive, home cooking recipe collection from one of the most respected and beloved culinary cultures

Japan: The Cookbook has more than 400 sumptuous recipes by acclaimed food writer Nancy Singleton Hachisu. The iconic and regional traditions of Japan are organized by course and contain insightful notes alongside the recipes. The dishes - soups, noodles, rices, pickles, one-pots, sweets, and
Frommer's Japan (Complete Guide) book cover22

Frommer's Japan (Complete Guide)

David McElhinney

4.3

Frommer’s books aren’t written by A.I., like the no-name brands you’ll find in online bookstores today. Nor do we ever hire outside companies to post glowing reviews, topped with lots of stars, about our books in online bookstores like A.I. companies do. Our books are written by seasoned, locally-based journalists like David McElhinney, who lives in Japan, and has been published widely, covering t

23

2000 Most Common Japanese Words in Context: Get Fluent & Increase Your Japanese Vocabulary with 2000 Japanese Phrases

Lingo Mastery

4.3
Have you been trying to learn Japanese and simply can't find the simple way to discover new words?

Are you tired of having to pore through boring textbooks and complicated material that you don't really understand?

Are you looking for a way to learn the language more effectively without taking shortcuts?



If you answered "Yes!" to at least one of those previous questions, then this book is for you! We
The One and Only Japanese Workbook - Learn and Perfect Hiragana and Katakana in just a Few Weeks | BONUS: Video Lessons to Learn Japanese even Faster (The most comprehensive Japanese learning plan) book cover24

The One and Only Japanese Workbook - Learn and Perfect Hiragana and Katakana in just a Few Weeks | BONUS: Video Lessons to Learn Japanese even Faster (The most comprehensive Japanese learning plan)

Hikaru Tamaki

4.3

Would you like to be able to read and write Japanese perfectly in just a few weeks? Here are the 5 steps you need to take:THE BASICS - Do you want the best possible start to learning Japanese? Before it makes sense to learn vocabulary or grammar, you need to be able to read hiragana and katakana characters. Without this foundation, you'll learn the language wrong from the start and make it unneces

25

Birds of Japan

Mark Brazil

4.3
Japan is home to a spectacular and diverse range of birds, and this up-to-date text covers the identification, voice, habitat, behavior, and range of all the species and subspecies found across the beautiful and fascinating Japanese archipelago.

The authoritative text is accompanied by superb full-color plates painted by an expert artist and covers all major plumage variations. Birds of Japan will
Cool Japan Guide: Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen book cover26

Cool Japan Guide: Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen

Abby Denson

4.3
Traveling to Japan has never been so much fun! Visit the land of anime, manga, cosplay, hot springs and sushi!

This full-color graphic novel Japan guidebook is the first of its kind exploring Japanese culture from a cartoonist's perspective. Cool Japan Guide takes you on a fun tour from the high-energy urban streets of Tokyo to the peaceful Zen gardens and Shinto shrines of Kyoto and introduces you
27

Hi! My Name is Loco and I am a Racist

Baye McNei

4.3
Born to Love — Taught to Loathe

McNeil was born and raised in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York where some of his earliest encounters with racism were as a child of the Pan-African/Black Power Movement. As a elementary student at a Progressive Pro-Black Family School in the 1970s, between Swahili studies and Black History courses, his school’s hands-on approach to “social studies” often placed
28

Angry White Pyjamas: A Scrawny Oxford Poet Takes Lessons from the Tokyo Riot Police

Robert Twigger

4.3
Adrift in Tokyo, translating obscene rap lyrics for giggling Japanese high school girls, "thirtynothing" Robert Twigger comes to a revelation about himself: He has never been fit nor brave. Guided by his roommates, Fat Frank and Chris, he sets out to cleanse his body and mind. Not knowing his fist from his elbow, the author is drawn into the world of Japanese martial arts, joining the Tokyo Riot P
29

Japan, a Bilingual Atlas: Nihon Nikakokugo Atorasu

Kodansha International, Atsushi Umeda

4.2
Companion to the popular Tokyo: A Bilingual Atlas, this concise yet comprehensive guide is destined to become an essential reference. The entire country of Japan is illustrated region by region in over 50 color maps. Includes maps of notable tourist attractions, and of national parks and transportation networks. Illustrations and maps.
Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook & Dictionary: Pocket-Sized Travel Language Guide with 3,500 Words, Essential Phrases, Pronunciation Tips & More book cover30

Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook & Dictionary: Pocket-Sized Travel Language Guide with 3,500 Words, Essential Phrases, Pronunciation Tips & More

Lonely Planet

4.2

Lonely Planet's Japanese Phrasebook and Dictionary is your handy passport to culturally enriching travels with the most relevant and useful Japanese phrases and vocabulary for all your travel needs. Learn your sushi from your sake, enjoy an elaborate tea ceremony and navigate elaborate transit maps; all with your trusted travel companion.Get More From Your Trip with Easy-to-Find Phrases for Every

The Monocle Book of Japan book cover31

The Monocle Book of Japan

Tyler Brûlé

4.2
Monocle’s latest book is an ardent paean to Japan, covering everything from design, architecture, and culture to food, fashion, and current affairs.


Since it launched in 2007, Monocle has had deep roots in Japan. From day one, the magazine has maintained a Tokyo bureau, which today also encompasses a Monocle shop and radio studio.


Over the past decade, the magazine and its team have continued to bui
32

Top 10 Tokyo

DK Eyewitness

4.2
An unbeatable, pocket-sized guide to Tokyo, packed with insider tips and ideas, colour maps, top 10 lists and a laminated pull-out map - all designed to help you see the very best of Tokyo.

Admire the world's largest collection of Japanese art and archaeology at the Tokyo National Museum, watch a traditional Kabuki show, explore the historic Imperial Palace Grounds or admire cherry blossoms in Ueno
The Do’s and Don’ts of Japan: The Practical Guide to Essential Japanese Etiquette for Travelers | Japan Travel Guide Book with Illustrated Tips to Avoid Tourist Mistakes (2026) book cover33

The Do’s and Don’ts of Japan: The Practical Guide to Essential Japanese Etiquette for Travelers | Japan Travel Guide Book with Illustrated Tips to Avoid Tourist Mistakes (2026)

CultureQuest Books

4.2

One small mistake. A roomful of stares. A lesson you didn’t want to learn the hard way.You're finally seated at a sushi bar in Tokyo—eager, hungry, and thrilled—until you catch subtle glances from the locals. You glance down—was it your chopsticks? Did you just break an unspoken rule?Suddenly, you feel self-conscious.The One Thing Most Tourists Get Wrong in Japan—And How to Avoid ItIn Japan, small

34

Japan Travel Guide: Things I Wish I Knew Before Going To Japan

Ken Fukuyama and Yuki Fukuyama

4.2
Want to experience Japan at its fullest potential without spending tons of your precious time on a monstrous 800 pages travel guide? Then, "Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan" is all you need! In this book, Ken Fukuyama and Yuki Fukuyama will share with you:


The ultimate Japan itineraries that are improvised for more than 30+ times
Everything you need to know about Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and H
35

Japan The Ultimate Samurai Guide: An Insider Looks at the Japanese Martial Arts and Surviving in the Land of Bushido and Zen

Alexander Bennett

4.2
This is the first book to provide an accurate insider's view of what the martial arts culture in Japan is really like, and the basic knowledge necessary to explore and learn a martial art successfully there. It provides a complete overview of the subject in a way that is down to earth and accessible. Aimed at people who have an interest in studying Japanese culture, this book presents the reader w
36

Elementary Japanese Volume One: 1

Yoko Hasegawa

4.2
Kokoro: Japanese Wisdom for a Life Well Lived book cover37

Kokoro: Japanese Wisdom for a Life Well Lived

Beth Kempton

4.2
38

Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook & Dictionary

Lonely Planet, Yoshi Abe, et al.

4.2
Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook Dictionary is your handy passport to culturally enriching travels with the most relevant and useful Japanese phrases and vocabulary for all your travel needs. Get to know your sushi from your sake, enjoy an elaborate tea ceremony with its centuries'-old conventions, and find your way elaborate transit maps; all with your trusted travel companion. With language t
39

Pretty Good Number One: An American Family Eats Tokyo

Matthew Amster-Burton

4.2
Everyone knows how to live the good life in Paris, Provence, or Tuscany. Now, Matthew Amster-Burton makes you fall in love with Tokyo. Experience this exciting and misunderstood city through the eyes of three Americans vacationing in a tiny Tokyo apartment. Follow 8-year-old Iris on a solo errand to the world’s greatest supermarket, picnic on the bullet train, and eat a staggering array of great,
40

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Japan

DK Eyewitness

4.2
DK Eyewitness travel guides: award-winning guidebooks

Discover Japan with this essential travel guide, designed to help you create your own unique trip and to transport you to this fascinating country before you've even packed your case - catch the buzz of futuristic Tokyo, step back in time in Kyoto, hike in mountainous Hokkaido or snorkel in Okinawa's clear waters. The DK Eyewitness Guide Japan c
Japan - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture book cover41

Japan - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Culture Smart!

4.2
42

Japan: Travel for kids: The fun way to discover Japan (Travel Guide For Kids Book 2)

Dinobibi Publishing

4.2
43

Lost Guides - Tokyo & Beyond: A Unique, Stylish and Offbeat Travel Guide to Tokyo and Places Easily Reached from the City

Anna Chittenden

4.2
Lost Guides - Tokyo & Beyond is a travel guide book that aims to help even the most seasoned of traveler to unlock the mystery and magic of Japan. Starting with the capital city Tokyo, the book shows the reader where the best neighborhoods are to feel like a local, with recommendations on affordable sushi spots to cool coffee stands, flea market selling vintage kimonos to secret open-air sentos to
Lonely Planet Pocket Tokyo: Discover Twice the City in Half the Time | Top Sights | Maps & Walking Tours | Covers Nihombashi, Roppongi, Shibuya, Harajuku, Kagurazaka and more (Pocket Guide) book cover44

Lonely Planet Pocket Tokyo: Discover Twice the City in Half the Time | Top Sights | Maps & Walking Tours | Covers Nihombashi, Roppongi, Shibuya, Harajuku, Kagurazaka and more (Pocket Guide)

Selena Takigawa Hoy, Cherise Fong, Todd Fong, Louise George Kittaka, Rob Goss, Kim Kahan, Manami Okazaki

4.2

Discover twice the city in half the time with our expert team of travel writers who share what you need to know to plan the ultimate short trip to Tokyo. Imagine a place where neon streetscapes give way to sacred green spaces and late-night karaoke singers share the stage with belly-slapping sumo wrestlers. Every must-see spot in this guide comes straight from travellers and locals who havedined a

45

Japan

DK Travel

4.2
Explore Japan's busy city streets, historic temples, and beautiful culture. Experience Tokyo, Kyoto, and the rest of Japan's exciting cities.

Discover DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Japan .

- Detailed itineraries and -don't-miss- destination highlights at a glance.
- Illustrated cutaway 3-D drawings of important sights.
- Floor plans and guided visitor information for major museums.
- Guided walkin
Lonely Planet Japan: Comprehensive Travel Guide | Detailed Itineraries & Maps | Insider Tips | Covers Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Hokkaido and more book cover46

Lonely Planet Japan: Comprehensive Travel Guide | Detailed Itineraries & Maps | Insider Tips | Covers Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Hokkaido and more

Lonely Planet

4.2

#1 Bestselling guidebook to Japan“Classic. Comprehensive. Crucial." - Library JournalLonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to Japan.Discover popular and off the beaten track experiences from visiting Yoshino for Japan's most famous cherry-blossom-viewing festival to sipping sake at a 300-year-old brewery in Niigata, and exploring the Unesco

Things Become Other Things: A Walking Memoir book cover47

Things Become Other Things: A Walking Memoir

Craig Mod

4.2
A Beginner's Guide to Japan: Observations and Provocations book cover48

A Beginner's Guide to Japan: Observations and Provocations

Pico Iyer

4.2
The essential introduction to Japan, site of the 2020 Olympics, from "arguably the greatest living travel writer" (Outside Magazine)

After three decades in Japan, Pico Iyer knows the country like few others. In A Beginner's Guide to Japan, he draws on his years of experience--his travels, conversations, readings, and reflections--to illuminate his adopted home like never before. This is a playful
49

The Complete Guide to Japanese Drinks: Sake, Shochu, Japanese Whisky, Beer, Wine, Cocktails and Other Beverages

Stephen Lyman

4.2
50

An Alien Doll in Japan

Cure Dolly

4.2
51

Lonely Planet City Trails - Tokyo

Lonely Planet Kids, Anna Claybourne, et al.

4.1
Lonely Planet Japan: Plan the Trip of a Lifetime | Detailed Itineraries & Maps | Insider Tips | Covers Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Central Honshu, Kyoto, Kansai, Sapporo, Shikoku and more (Travel Guide) book cover52

Lonely Planet Japan: Plan the Trip of a Lifetime | Detailed Itineraries & Maps | Insider Tips | Covers Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Central Honshu, Kyoto, Kansai, Sapporo, Shikoku and more (Travel Guide)

Selena Takigawa Hoy, Ray Bartlett, Rob Goss, Felicity Hughes, Jessica Korteman, Craig McLachlan, Rebecca Milner, Winnie Tan, Phillip Tang, Wendy Yanagihara

4.1

Dive headfirst into Japan and discover everything you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime.Japan rewards curiosity - discover sizzling street eats alongside world-class restaurants, and timeless villages rubbing shoulders with futuristic cities. Our on-the-ground experts have explored Kyoto's maze-like alleys, devoured ramen in Osaka's steaming backstreet stalls, and taken a dip in the crys

53

Japan by Rail, 3rd: includes rail route guide and 30 city guides

Ramsey Zarifeh

4.1
The secret to travelling around Japan on a budget is the Japan Rail Pass. Using this guide and a Japan Rail Pass, you can travel almost anywhere across all four main islands – cheaply and efficiently. This comprehensive guide is designed to be used in conjunction with a rail pass to get the most out of your trip to Japan.


Practical information – planning your trip; what to take; getting to Japan fr
A Brief History of Japan: Samurai, Shogun and Zen: The Extraordinary Story of the Land of the Rising Sun book cover54

A Brief History of Japan: Samurai, Shogun and Zen: The Extraordinary Story of the Land of the Rising Sun

Jonathan Clements

4.1
This fascinating history tells the story of the people of Japan, from ancient teenage priest-queens to teeming hordes of salarymen, a nation that once sought to conquer China, yet also shut itself away for two centuries in self-imposed seclusion.

First revealed to Westerners in the chronicles of Marco Polo, Japan was a legendary faraway land defended by a fearsome Kamikaze storm and ruled by a divi
DK Japan: Must-See Sights. Culture & History. Detailed Maps & Tours. Covers Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Okinawa, & more (Travel Guide) book cover55

DK Japan: Must-See Sights. Culture & History. Detailed Maps & Tours. Covers Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Okinawa, & more (Travel Guide)

DK Travel

4.1

Your essential Japan travel guide, from the experts at DK TravelAncient temples, futuristic cities, cherry blossom trees: Japan makes for an unforgettable trip. If you want to see the very best of Japan (plus a few surprises), DK’s Japan travel guide is the one for you.Every page is designed to inspire you and make planning easy, with travel ideas, easy-to-follow itineraries, and detailed area-by-

56

From the Source - Japan (Lonely Planet)

Lonely Planet Food

4.1
Lonely Planet presents Japan's most authentic dishes - direct from the kitchens where they were perfected.

From street-food vendors to Michelin-starred chefs, Japan's best local cooks share their passion for food and 60 of their region's classic recipes - from steaming soups and silky ramen noodles to fresh, hand-rolled sushi.

Recipes include:


Takoyaki - octopus balls
Sukiyaki - soy-simmered beef
Okono
Japan Travel Guide: Things I Wish I'D Known Before Going to Japan (2026) book cover57

Japan Travel Guide: Things I Wish I'D Known Before Going to Japan (2026)

Yuki Fukuyama Ken Fukuyama

4.1

This isn’t just another travel guide; it’s a journey shaped by over 30 years of exploration, experience, and love for Japan.In Things I Wish I’d Known Before Going to Japan, Yuki and Ken Fukuyama share their lifelong passion and insider knowledge gained from over three decades of exploring every corner of the country. This essential guide is the perfect companion for both first-time visitors and s

58

Izakaya: The Japanese Pub Cookbook

Mark Robinson

4.1
Japanese pubs, called izakaya, are attracting growing attention in Japan and overseas. As a matter of fact, a recent article in The New York Times claimed that the izakaya is starting to shove the sushi bar off its pedestal. While Japan has many guidebooks and cookbooks, this is the first publication in English to delve into every aspect of a unique and vital cornerstone of Japanese food culture.
59

Sword of Zen: Master Takuan and His Writings on Immovable Wisdom and the Sword Tale

Peter Haskel

4.1
Takuan Sōho's (1573-1645) two works on Zen and swordsmanship are among the most straightforward and lively presentations of Zen ever written and have enjoyed great popularity in both premodern and modern Japan. Although dealing ostensibly with the art of the sword, Record of Immovable Wisdom and On the Sword Taie are basic guides to Zen--"user's manuals" for Zen mind that show one how to manifest
60

Nara i Kioto

Yakubova N.I.

4.1
61

Sake Confidential: A Beyond-the-Basics Guide to Understanding, Tasting, Selection, and Enjoyment

John Gauntner

4.1
With today’s sake drinkers increasingly informed and adventurous, now is the time for a truly expert guide to take you deeper into appreciation of this complex but delightful Japanese beverage, brewed from rice and enjoyed both warm or chilled.

And what better mentor than John Gauntner, the “Sake Guy” and the world’s leading non-Japanese sake educator and evangelist? Here in over two dozen no-holds
62

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Tokyo

DK Eyewitness

4.1
Explore the busy streets, exciting food, and historic sights of Tokyo. Learn the must-sees of this amazing capital city.

Discover "DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Tokyo." Detailed itineraries and "don't-miss" destination highlights at a glance.
Illustrated cutaway 3-D drawings of important sights.
Floor plans and guided visitor information for major museums.
Guided walking tours, local drink and din
Lonely Planet Pocket Kyoto & Osaka: Discover Twice the Region in Half the Time | Top Sights | Maps & Walking Tours | Covers Kinkaku-ji, Nishiki Market, Gion and more (Pocket Guide) book cover63

Lonely Planet Pocket Kyoto & Osaka: Discover Twice the Region in Half the Time | Top Sights | Maps & Walking Tours | Covers Kinkaku-ji, Nishiki Market, Gion and more (Pocket Guide)

Thomas O'Malley, Tom Fay, Rob Goss

4.1

Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the ultimate short trip to Kyoto & Osaka- and discover twice the place in half the time!Discover Kyoto & Osaka's most popular experiences, must-see attractions, and unexpected surprises with our handy-sized Pocket travel guide. From taking a blissful stroll along the Philosopher's Path famous for its cherry-tree-lined canal,

64

Okinawa: The History of an Island People

George Kerr

4.1
"The first full–length monograph on the history of the Ryukyu Islands in any Western language…a standard work."—Pacific Affairs

Okinawa: The History of an Island People is the definitive book available in English on the history of Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands, and an influential scholarly work in the field of Japanese studies. The histories of Japan, Okinawa, and the entire Pacific region are cru
65

101 Common Japanese Idioms in Plain English

Clay Boutwell

4.1
Once one zooms beyond the basics of a language, idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and slang can provide the spice to keep motivation up and progress going forward. This book will introduce 101 of the most common Japanese idioms. We are including at no extra charge MP3s for all the examples found in this book. Create play-lists to study on the go or burn the sound files to a CD to listen at home. Th
66

The Salaryman: An American dude becomes a Tokyo white-collar warrior

Michael Howard and Rena Saiya

4.1
A humorous, manga-illustrated memoir from a Tokyo American who tried and failed to fit into Japanese office culture for almost a decade. The Salaryman is an immigrant's story from a land where there are few immigrants, with even fewer being crazy enough to do what the author did: become a real train-cramming, brow-wiping, late-night overtime-working, passed-out-drunk-on-the-train-ride-home salarym
67

Japanese Phrase Book

DK

4.1
A travel phrasebook for anyone planning a trip to Japan, this pocket-sized paperback includes all the essential words and phrases for every traveler. Even experienced speakers will benefit from the detailed cultural and travel-specific knowledge, and first-time speakers will find it easy to pick up the key words and phrases they need to get by. Easy to browse and easy to carry, it will travel with
68

The Art of the Japanese Garden

David Young

4.1
69

Tokyo Food – 101 Places to Eat: A Restaurant Guide with 194 Photos, 21 Maps and 101 Tips (Japan Travel Guide Series Book 2)

Axel Schwab

4.1
70

Onsen of Japan: Japan's Best Hot Springs and Bath Houses

Steven Wide

4.1
As a country blessed with natural geothermal energy, no trip to Japan is complete without an authentic onsen (hot spring) experience. Yet this world has remained a mystery to many western travellers, who are keen to take advantage of the onsen's relaxing qualities and healing properties. Onsen of Japan is your entry into art of Japanese communal bathing. Featuring listings for more 2500 onsens acr
Learn Japanese with Paul Noble for Beginners – Complete Course: Japanese Made Easy with Your 1 million-best-selling Personal Language Coach book cover71

Learn Japanese with Paul Noble for Beginners – Complete Course: Japanese Made Easy with Your 1 million-best-selling Personal Language Coach

Paul Noble

4.1

Practical, fun and effective.Welcome to Learn with Paul Noble – a unique, tried and tested language learning method that has been used by millions. You'll be speaking Japanese fluently and confidently in no time at all.Take a simple, relaxed approach to learning a language that has been proven to succeed every time. Unlike more traditional language learning courses, Paul Noble’s unique method has

72

Autumn Light: Season of Fire and Farewells

Pico Iyer

4.1
Returning to his longtime home in Japan after his father-in-law's sudden death, Pico Iyer picks up the steadying patterns of his everyday rites: going to the post office and engaging in furious games of ping-pong every evening. But in a country whose calendar is marked with occasions honoring the dead, he comes to reflect on changelessness in ways that anyone can relate to: parents age, children s
73

Ikigai: Giving every day meaning and joy

Yukari Mitsuhashi

4.1
Ikigai is a traditional Japanese concept that embodies happiness in living. It is, essentially, the reason that you get up in the morning. This book is about finding your ikigai - identifying your purpose or passion and using this knowledge to achieve greater happiness in your life. Your ikigai doesn't have to be some grand ambition or highly noble life's purpose - it can be something simple and h
The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture book cover74

The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture

Roger J. Davies, Osamu Ikeno

4.1
In The Japanese Mind, Roger Davies offers Westerners an invaluable key to the unique aspects of Japanese culture. Readers of this book will gain a clear understanding of what really makes the Japanese, and their society, tick. Among the topics explored: aimai (ambiguity), amae (dependence upon others' benevolence), amakudari (the nation's descent from heaven), chinmoku (silence in communication),
75

Fodor's Puerto Rico

Fodor's Travel Guides

4.1
Ready to experience Puerto Rico? The experts at Fodor's are here to help. Fodor's Puerto Rico travel guide is packed with customizable itineraries with top recommendations, detailed maps of Puerto Rico, and exclusive tips from locals. Whether you want to stroll the atmospheric streets of Old San Juan, lounge on the island's beautiful beaches, or escape to Vieques or Culebra, this up-to-date guideb
76

Kyoto Gardens: Masterworks of the Japanese Gardener's Art

Judith Clancy

4.1
"Bring the art and beauty of Japan to your garden with inspiration from Kyoto Gardens."
—HGTV Gardens

Featuring beautiful Japanese garden photography and insightful writing, Kyoto Gardens is a labor of love from master photographer Ben Simmons and Kyoto-based writer Judith Clancy. In their rocks and plants, empty spaces and intimate details—Kyoto's gardens manifest a unique ability to provoke thoug
77

Ride in the Neon Sun

Josie Dew

4.1
The third in her series of cycling books sees the author riding east across Australia, China, Korea, Borneo, Indonesia and Malaysia. The journey encompasses the Orient - the old, the modern, and the futuristic, beginning with a tour of Japan.
78

Frommer's EasyGuide to Tokyo, Kyoto and Western Honshu

Beth Reiber

4.1
Gyoza: The Ultimate Dumpling Cookbook: 50 Recipes from Tokyo's Gyoza King --Pot Stickers, Dumplings, Spring Rolls and More! book cover79

Gyoza: The Ultimate Dumpling Cookbook: 50 Recipes from Tokyo's Gyoza King --Pot Stickers, Dumplings, Spring Rolls and More!

Paradise Yamamoto

4.1
Everyone has a different idea of what comfort food means to them, but for tens of millions of food lovers, Gyoza dumplings are the ultimate Asian comfort food. Whether found in an exclusive restaurant or Tokyo street stall; these tasty morsels bursting with flavor are hard to resist.

Dumplings are surprisingly easy to make and with an array of shapes, fillings, and preparation techniques; the poss
The Lady and the Monk: Four Seasons in Kyoto book cover80

The Lady and the Monk: Four Seasons in Kyoto

Pico Iyer

4.1
When Pico Iyer decided to go to Kyoto and live in a monastery, he did so to learn about Zen Buddhism from the inside, to get to know Kyoto, one of the loveliest old cities in the world, and to find out something about Japanese culture today -- not the world of businessmen and production lines, but the traditional world of changing seasons and the silence of temples, of the images woven through lit
81

Lonely Planet Kyoto

Lonely Planet, Kate Morgan, et al.

4.1
Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher

Lonely Planet's Kyoto is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Walk through thousands of vermillion entrance gates towards the summit of Fushimi Inari-Taisha; glimpse 'old Japan' in the lanes of Gion; and time your trip for the best cherry blossom and crimson ma
82

Travelers Series Guide to Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea

Travis Medley

4.1
Travelers Series Guide to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea - 2nd Edition is a Comprehensive Guide to the Tokyo Disney Resort. "Travelers Series Guide to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea - 2nd Edition" is a must-have for anyone who plans to visit Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, or for the Disney fan who simply wants to learn more about these great parks." This guide includes: • Overvi
83

Where the Dead Pause, and the Japanese Say Goodbye: A Journey

Marie Mutsuki Mockett

4.1
Marie Mutsuki Mockett's family owns a Buddhist temple 25 miles from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. In March 2011, after the earthquake and tsunami, radiation levels prohibited the burial of her Japanese grandfather's bones. As Japan mourned thousands of people lost in the disaster, Mockett also grieved for her American father, who had died unexpectedly.

Seeking consolation, Mockett is g
84

For Fukui's Sake: Two Years In Rural Japan

Sam Baldwin

4.1
Far from the high-tech, high-rise of the super-cities, there lies another Japan. A Japan where snakes slither down school corridors, where bears prowl dark forests and where Westerners are still regarded as curious creatures. Welcome to the world of the inaka – the Japanese countryside.

Unhappily employed in the UK, Sam Baldwin decides to make a big change. Saying sayonara to laboratory life, he ta
85

Shinto Shrines: A Guide to the Sacred Sites of Japan's Ancient Religion

Joseph Cali

4.0
Of Japan's two great religious traditions, Shinto is far less known and understood in the West. Although there are a number of books that explain the religion and its philosophy, this work is the first in English to focus on sites where Shinto has been practiced since the dawn of Japanese history. In an extensive introductory section, authors Joseph Cali and John Dougill delve into the fascinating
86

Speak Japanese in 90 Days: A Self Study Guide to Becoming Fluent: Volume Two

Kevin Marx

4.0
87

Teaching in Asia: Tales and the Real Deal

Kevin O'She

4.0
Have you ever thought about moving to Japan or South Korea to teach? If so, this entertaining and practical "how to" guide will answer many of your questions. Interesting stories from inside and outside the classroom in both countries as well as tips on finding a job and teaching itself.
Diary of a Tokyo Teen: A Japanese-American Girl Draws Her Way Across the Land of Trendy Fashion, High-Tech Toilets and Maid Cafes book cover88

Diary of a Tokyo Teen: A Japanese-American Girl Draws Her Way Across the Land of Trendy Fashion, High-Tech Toilets and Maid Cafes

Christine Mari Inzer

4.0
A book for comic lovers and Japanophiles of all ages, Diary of a Tokyo Teen presents a unique look at modern-day Japan through a young woman's eyes.

Born in Tokyo to a Japanese mother and an American father in 1997, Christine Mari Inzer spent her early years in Japan and relocated to the United States in 2003. The summer before she turned sixteen, she returned to Tokyo, making a solo journey to get
Speak Japanese in 90 Days: A Self Study Guide to Becoming Fluent book cover89

Speak Japanese in 90 Days: A Self Study Guide to Becoming Fluent

Kevin Marx

4.0
90

Tokyo Maze - 42 Walks in and around the Japanese Capital: A Guide with 108 Photos, 48 Maps, 300 Weblinks and 100 Tips

Axel Schwab and Jane Riester

4.0
REVISED APRIL 2020.
Tokyo Maze - 42 Walks is no ordinary travel guide. The author is no stranger to Japan either, having spent over 25 years visiting the country as a student, on work assignments and as a writer. He even lived in Tokyo for five years. Alongside all the main attractions, this guide takes you to places which don't get a mention elsewhere. The information included in the guide is full
91

DK Eyewitness Venice and the Veneto

DK Eyewitness

4.0
Welcome to this enchanting corner of Italy

Whether you want to wander around a magical maze of canals, sample delicious cuisine, ramble through majestic mountains or relive fascinating history, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that Venice and the Veneto have to offer.

The jewel of the Veneto, Venice is a dreamlike city filled with architectural wonders and incredible col
92

Japanese Hiragana: Essential writing practice workbook for beginner and student(Handwriting Workbook)

BrainSky Press

4.0
93

Tokyo Megacity

Donald Richie

4.0
This photographic Tokyo travel guide explores the dynamic Japanese culture, art and architecture that make Tokyo a world-class city.

It has been said that "every city has its high points, but Tokyo is all exclamation points!" The largest and most populous city in the world, Tokyo must be experienced in person to truly be understood. The next best thing? Tokyo Megacity—a visual and descriptive explo
A History of Japan book cover94

A History of Japan

George Sansom

4.0
This is one of the most classic books of Japanese history and still the preeminent work on the history of Japan.

 Newly revised and updated, A History of Japan is a fascinating look at the nation of Japan throughout history. Starting in ancient Japan during its early pre-history period A History of Japan covers every important aspect of history and culture through feudal Japan to the post-cold War
95

Fluent Japanese from Anime and Manga: How to Learn Japanese Vocabulary, Grammar, and Kanji the Easy and Fun Way (Revised and Updated)

Eric Bodnar

4.0
96

Be More Japan: The Art of Japanese Living

DK Eyewitness

4.0
Whether you're dreaming about your first journey, revisiting the trip of a lifetime or simply in love with all things Japan, Be More Japan will transport you to this fascinating country.

Dive into the thrilling and serene world of Shinto monks, street food vendors, anime characters, Okinawan centenarians, technological innovators, J-Pop megastars, ancient philosophers, onsen dwellers and so many mo
Lonely Planet Japan Planning Map: Durable, Waterproof, Easy-Fold Travel Map with Attractions, Itineraries & Transport Guide | Handy Slipcase for Japan Adventures book cover97

Lonely Planet Japan Planning Map: Durable, Waterproof, Easy-Fold Travel Map with Attractions, Itineraries & Transport Guide | Handy Slipcase for Japan Adventures

Lonely Planet

4.0

Durable and waterproof, with a handy slipcase and an easy-fold format, Lonely Planet's Japan Planning Map is your essential navigation tool. This full-colour map features accompanying images and information about top attractions, itinerary suggestions, a transport guide, themed lists and practical travel tips.Durable and waterproofEasy-fold format and convenient sizeHandy slipcaseFull colour and e

98

At Home in Japan: A Foreign Woman's Journey of Discovery

Rebecca Otowa

4.0
"This portrait of Japanese country life reminds us that at its core, a happy and healthy life is based on the bonds of food, family, tradition, community, and the richness of nature" —John Einarsen, Founding Editor and Art Director of Kyoto Journal

What would it be like to move to Japan, leaving everyone you know behind, to become part of a traditional Japanese household? At Home in Japan tells an
99

Kyoto: Seven Paths to the Heart of the City

Diane Durston and Katsuhiko Mizuno

4.0
What better way to see Kyoto than at dawn, when the back streets and alleys of this 1,200-year-old city are still under the spell of the past? Old folks fuss about with their bonsai and laundry poles, pausing to chat on their way to the neighborhood shrine with flowers and morning prayers. Knock-kneed white egrets stalk the stream beds for breakfast, and the giant bronze temple bells awaken the fo
100

Must-See Japan: The complete insider's guide to seeing the best of Japan in one trip

Tom Fay

4.0
* UPDATED FOR 2020 - Now with more content, new maps and the latest tips and advice! *


Must-See Japan (2020 Edition) is your up-to-date, concise and best-value guide for discovering the top sights, the most delicious foods and the essential must-do activities in this fascinating and complex country. Written by an expert who has spent many years living in and traveling all around Japan, this book is