100 Best Japan Travel Guide Books of All Time
We've researched and ranked the best japan travel guide books in the world, based on recommendations from world experts, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. Learn more
Featuring recommendations from Candace Bushnell, Derek Sivers, Timothy Ferriss, and 5 other experts. 1
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, manga and video games, A Geek in Japan reinvents the culture guide for readers in the Internet age.
Spotlighting the originality and creativity of the... more
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, manga and video games, A Geek in Japan reinvents the culture guide for readers in the Internet age.
Spotlighting the originality and creativity of the... more
Derek Sivers[This is the book I've given most often as a gift] because I’m fascinated with understanding the mindset of a place. (Source)
2
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. less
3
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 final scoop exposed a scandal that reverberated all the way from the neon soaked streets of Tokyo to the polished Halls of the FBI and resulted in a death threat for him and his family,... more
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 final scoop exposed a scandal that reverberated all the way from the neon soaked streets of Tokyo to the polished Halls of the FBI and resulted in a death threat for him and his family,... more
Recommended by Ben Smith, and 1 others. 4
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 with rules clearly delineated clearly by the store's manual, and copying her colleagues' dress, mannerisms, and speech. She plays the part of a "normal person" excellently--more or less. Keiko... more
Candace BushnellLove this book #ConvenienceStoreWoman. It’s also very funny. https://t.co/1On1xoprYH (Source)
Linda FloresConvenience Store Woman says something about how we articulate subjectivity when social norms impose limitations on our individual identity. (Source)
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 journey through the noodle shops, tempura temples, and teahouses of Japan,... more
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 journey through the noodle shops, tempura temples, and teahouses of Japan,... more
6
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 companion. Get to the heart of Tokyo and begin your journey now!
Inside Lonely Planet's Tokyo Travel Guide:
Colour... more
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 companion. Get to the heart of Tokyo and begin your journey now!
Inside Lonely Planet's Tokyo Travel Guide:
Colour... more
7
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 business.
Although often overshadowed by a modern facade, long–standing traditional aspects of Japan's culture still influence the country and almost everyone in it.... more
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 business.
Although often overshadowed by a modern facade, long–standing traditional aspects of Japan's culture still influence the country and almost everyone in it.... more
8
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. Realistically rendered city views or posters of pop stars contrast with cartoon sketches of iconic objects or droll vignettes, like a housewife walking her pet pig and a Godzilla statue in a local... more
9
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 learns, it illustrates that to travel is better than to arrive. less
10
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 up in London and spent most of his adult life in Tokyo--Booth had an extraordinary ability to capture the feel of rural Japan in his writing. Throughout his long and... more
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 up in London and spent most of his adult life in Tokyo--Booth had an extraordinary ability to capture the feel of rural Japan in his writing. Throughout his long and... more
Don't have time to read the top Japan Travel Guide books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
12
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 vegetables - are simple and elegant. less
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 vegetables - are simple and elegant. less
13
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 translator's notes, vocabulary lists, and grammar points along with a set of discussion questions and exercises. The first two are very famous traditional folktales: Urashima Taro (Tale of... more
14
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 homemade ramen. With over 100 recipes for broths, noodles, side dishes, and toppings, this cookbook makes it easy to enjoy real ramen any...
more15
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 reflecting on her adopted home. She brings her keen observations to us in A Year in Japan, a dramatically different look at a delightfully different way of life.
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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 clothes in Tokyo, enjoy inexpensive hikes in Nikko, or visit Kyoto’s beautiful shrines and gardens on the cheap; all with this super helpful guide.
Inside the Super Cheap Japan guide book: more
Inside the Super Cheap Japan guide book: more
17
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 more
The top sights and unique experiences: Wander the shrines and temples of Ueno-koen park and stop in Tokyo National Museum for... more
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 more
The top sights and unique experiences: Wander the shrines and temples of Ueno-koen park and stop in Tokyo National Museum for... more
18
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 Police on their yearlong, brutally demanding course of budo training, where any ascetic motivation soon comes up against bloodstained "white pyjamas" and fractured collarbones. In Angry White Pyjamas,... more
19
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 him and his classmates, placards in hand, on the frontlines of protest marches, boycotts and demonstrations against everything from police brutality and shootings of unarmed black... more
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 him and his classmates, placards in hand, on the frontlines of protest marches, boycotts and demonstrations against everything from police brutality and shootings of unarmed black... more
20
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've compiled the 2000 Most Common Words in Japanese, a list of terms that... more
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've compiled the 2000 Most Common Words in Japanese, a list of terms that... more
Don't have time to read the top Japan Travel Guide books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
21
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 new players enter the field. The bedrock of traditional Japanese culture—its remarkable resilience, coherence, and consensus-based philosophy, underpinned by many protocols—until recently... more
22
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 ensure that this top birding destination is made accessible to all. less
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 ensure that this top birding destination is made accessible to all. less
23
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 to:
-the exciting world of Japanese food--from bento to sushi and everything in between.
-the otaku (geek) culture of Japan, including a manga market in Tokyo... more
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 to:
-the exciting world of Japanese food--from bento to sushi and everything in between.
-the otaku (geek) culture of Japan, including a manga market in Tokyo... more
24
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 Park. From top 10 restaurants to the top 10 gardens and parks - discover the best of Tokyo with this easy-to-use travel guide.
Inside Top 10 Tokyo:
- Nine... more
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 Park. From top 10 restaurants to the top 10 gardens and parks - discover the best of Tokyo with this easy-to-use travel guide.
Inside Top 10 Tokyo:
- Nine... more
25
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. less
26
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 Hokkaido
All the essential info like hours of operation, transit tips, prices etc
The best magical winter destination
Detailed maps of Japan
The most... more
The ultimate Japan itineraries that are improvised for more than 30+ times
Everything you need to know about Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hokkaido
All the essential info like hours of operation, transit tips, prices etc
The best magical winter destination
Detailed maps of Japan
The most... more
27
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, inexpensive foods, from eel to udon. A humorous travel memoir in the tradition of Peter Mayle and Bill Bryson, Pretty Good Number One is the next best thing to a ticket to Tokyo. less
28
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 tools in your back pocket, you can truly get to the heart of wherever you go, so begin your journey now!
Get More From Your Trip with Easy-to-Find Phrases for Every... more
Get More From Your Trip with Easy-to-Find Phrases for Every... more
30
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 with relevant and practical information on how to approach various complicated issues they will encounter in Japan. It will be of tremendous help to young martial artists as well as anyone curious... more
Don't have time to read the top Japan Travel Guide books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
31
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 covers the must-see sights and the hidden backstreets, so you won't miss a thing.
- Gorgeous, all-new colour photography so you can imagine yourself... more
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 covers the must-see sights and the hidden backstreets, so you won't miss a thing.
- Gorgeous, all-new colour photography so you can imagine yourself... more
32
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 walking tours, local drink and dining specialties to try, things to do, and places to eat, drink, and shop by area.
- Area maps marked with... more
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 walking tours, local drink and dining specialties to try, things to do, and places to eat, drink, and shop by area.
- Area maps marked with... more
33
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 build upon their appreciation for and understanding of the nation of Japan. Monocle’s stories have covered everything from a live journey on the emperor’s jet and the... more
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 build upon their appreciation for and understanding of the nation of Japan. Monocle’s stories have covered everything from a live journey on the emperor’s jet and the... more
34
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 from Europe, North America and Australasia
City guides and maps – where to stay (all budgets), where to eat, what to see in 30 towns and cities; historical and... more
Practical information – planning your trip; what to take; getting to Japan from Europe, North America and Australasia
City guides and maps – where to stay (all budgets), where to eat, what to see in 30 towns and cities; historical and... more
35
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), gambari (perseverence), giri (social obligation), haragei (literally, "belly art"; implicit, unspoken communication), kenkyo (the appearance of modesty), sempai-kohai (seniority), wabi-sabi... more
37
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.
A venue for socializing and an increasingly innovative culinary influence, the izakaya serves mouth-watering and inexpensive small-plate cooking, along with free-flowing drinks.... more
A venue for socializing and an increasingly innovative culinary influence, the izakaya serves mouth-watering and inexpensive small-plate cooking, along with free-flowing drinks.... more
38
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 bath in after a long day. A quick hop on the shinkansen bullet train whisks travelers away to polar opposite scenes. Try skiing in Hakuba, or onsen hopping in Hakone. Explore the rich... more
40
Don't have time to read the top Japan Travel Guide books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
42
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 dining specialties to try, things to do, and places to eat, drink, and shop by area.
Area maps marked with sights.
Detailed city maps include street finder... more
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 dining specialties to try, things to do, and places to eat, drink, and shop by area.
Area maps marked with sights.
Detailed city maps include street finder... more
43
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
Okonomiyaki - savoury pancakes
Torinabe - Chicken and vegetable hotpot
Iwashi sushi - Sardine sushi
Tonkatsu - deep-fried breaded pork... more
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
Okonomiyaki - savoury pancakes
Torinabe - Chicken and vegetable hotpot
Iwashi sushi - Sardine sushi
Tonkatsu - deep-fried breaded pork... more
44
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-barred essays, John reveals “the truth about sake” from a connected insider’s perspective. No other book or website presents such a knowledgeable, practical, and concise yet complete... more
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-barred essays, John reveals “the truth about sake” from a connected insider’s perspective. No other book or website presents such a knowledgeable, practical, and concise yet complete... more
45
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 you wherever you go and give you language help at your fingertips.
Part of the DK Eyewitness Travel Guides Phrase Book series. These pocket dictionaries give business and vacation... more
Part of the DK Eyewitness Travel Guides Phrase Book series. These pocket dictionaries give business and vacation... more
46
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 it not only in sword play but from moment to moment in everyday life.
Along with translations of Record of Immovable Wisdom and On the Sword Taie (the former, composed in all likelihood... more
Along with translations of Record of Immovable Wisdom and On the Sword Taie (the former, composed in all likelihood... more
49
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 salaryman. A working-man consumer's take on the U.S.-Japan culture gap, the book hums with authenticity, delivering deep middle-class insights between its illustrated punch lines.
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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 scatter, and Iyer and his wife turn to whatever can sustain them as everything falls away. As the maple leaves begin to turn and the heat begins to soften, Iyer shows us a Japan we have seldom seen... more
Don't have time to read the top Japan Travel Guide books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
51
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. The download link is found on the last page.We believe the best way to learn vocabulary--by far--is to study words within their proper context. Every idiom is followed by an example sentence and a... more
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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 humble, like tending your garden or walking your dog.
Having grown up in Japan, Yukari Mitsuhashi understands first hand what ikigai means to Japanese people. Now living in Los Angeles, she... more
Having grown up in Japan, Yukari Mitsuhashi understands first hand what ikigai means to Japanese people. Now living in Los Angeles, she... more
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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 and profound guidebook full of surprising, brief, incisive glimpses into Japanese culture. Iyer's adventures and observations as he travels from a meditation hall to... more
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 and profound guidebook full of surprising, brief, incisive glimpses into Japanese culture. Iyer's adventures and observations as he travels from a meditation hall to... more
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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 guidebook will help you plan it all out.
This new edition has been FULLY-REDESIGNED with a new layout and beautiful images for more intuitive travel planning! Fodor's Puerto... more
This new edition has been FULLY-REDESIGNED with a new layout and beautiful images for more intuitive travel planning! Fodor's Puerto... more
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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 takes a job as an English teacher on the JET Programme in a small, rural Japanese town that no one – the Japanese included – has ever heard of.
Arriving in Fukui, where... more
Unhappily employed in the UK, Sam Baldwin decides to make a big change. Saying sayonara to laboratory life, he takes a job as an English teacher on the JET Programme in a small, rural Japanese town that no one – the Japanese included – has ever heard of.
Arriving in Fukui, where... more
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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 across the country, authors Steve Wide and Michelle Mackintosh have selected out the very best places to enjoy this quintessential Japanese experience – including traditional 7th-century baths,... more
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"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 thought and delight in equal measure. These varied landscapes meld the sensuality of nature with the disciplines of cosmology, poetry and meditation. Japanese... more
—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 thought and delight in equal measure. These varied landscapes meld the sensuality of nature with the disciplines of cosmology, poetry and meditation. Japanese... more
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Pozycja opisuje dwie dawne stolice Japonii głównie pod kątem architektoniczno-historycznym. less
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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. less
Don't have time to read the top Japan Travel Guide books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
61
"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 crucially intertwined; therefore the review of this fascinating chain of islands is crucial to understanding all of East Asia.
Few people can point to... more
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 crucially intertwined; therefore the review of this fascinating chain of islands is crucial to understanding all of East Asia.
Few people can point to... more
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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 guided by a colorful cast of Zen priests and ordinary Japanese who perform rituals that disturb, haunt, and finally uplift her. Her journey leads her into the radiation zone in an... more
Seeking consolation, Mockett is guided by a colorful cast of Zen priests and ordinary Japanese who perform rituals that disturb, haunt, and finally uplift her. Her journey leads her into the radiation zone in an... more
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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: * Overviews and ratings of all attractions, restaurants and shops in the parks * In-depth comparisons to the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort * Detailed directions for getting from the... more
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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 maple leaves. All with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of destination and begin your journey now!
Inside Lonely Planet's... more
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 maple leaves. All with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of destination and begin your journey now!
Inside Lonely Planet's... more
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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. less
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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 fully up to date. He returned from his most recent in-depth research trip in November 2019.
Inside the guide:
- 42 complete walking... more
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 fully up to date. He returned from his most recent in-depth research trip in November 2019.
Inside the guide:
- 42 complete walking... more
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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 aspects of Shinto, clarifying its relationship with Buddhism as well as its customs, symbolism, and pilgrimage routes. This is followed by a fully illustrated guide to 57 major Shinto shrines... more
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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 reacquainted with her birthplace. Through illustrations, photos, and musings, Inzer documented her journey.
In Diary of a Tokyo Teen, Inzer explores the... more
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 reacquainted with her birthplace. Through illustrations, photos, and musings, Inzer documented her journey.
In Diary of a Tokyo Teen, Inzer explores the... more
Don't have time to read the top Japan Travel Guide books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
71
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 literature, of the lunar Japan that still lives on behind the rising sun of geopolitical power.
All this he did. And then he met Sachiko.
Vivacious, attractive, thoroughly... more
All this he did. And then he met Sachiko.
Vivacious, attractive, thoroughly... more
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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 collections of art. But this region offers far more than this watery oasis. Lake Garda boasts beautiful scenery, Verona features the world's third-largest Roman Arena and... more
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 collections of art. But this region offers far more than this watery oasis. Lake Garda boasts beautiful scenery, Verona features the world's third-largest Roman Arena and... more
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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 more.
There are so many ways to fall in love with Japan. It's home to one of the world's most unique cultures: a perfectly balanced celebration of past... more
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 more.
There are so many ways to fall in love with Japan. It's home to one of the world's most unique cultures: a perfectly balanced celebration of past... more
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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 exploration of a city that combines old with new and traditional with trendy, like no other city in the world.
This extraordinary book explores Tokyo through 250... more
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 exploration of a city that combines old with new and traditional with trendy, like no other city in the world.
This extraordinary book explores Tokyo through 250... more
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* 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 full of inside information to help you discover some of the best things on offer, from popular tourist attractions to hidden gems even the locals... more
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 full of inside information to help you discover some of the best things on offer, from popular tourist attractions to hidden gems even the locals... more
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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 possibilities are endless including:
Shiitake Mushroom Dumplings
Bacon and Cheese Carbonara Dumplings
Lamb and Coriander Dumplings
And many more including dessert... more
Dumplings are surprisingly easy to make and with an array of shapes, fillings, and preparation techniques; the possibilities are endless including:
Shiitake Mushroom Dumplings
Bacon and Cheese Carbonara Dumplings
Lamb and Coriander Dumplings
And many more including dessert... more
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"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 extraordinary true story of a foreign woman who goes through an amazing transformation, as she makes a move from a suburban lifestyle in California to a new life,... more
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 extraordinary true story of a foreign woman who goes through an amazing transformation, as she makes a move from a suburban lifestyle in California to a new life,... more
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Perfect for beginning and upper beginning students of Japanese. This affordable Japanese reader contains four complete stories of a clever and mischievous young man, Hikoichi.
Get FREE MP3s of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker. Listen while reading. The link to the MP3s is found on the last page. NEW--just added four new MP3s: each story read slowly for increased comprehension.
Read--in Japanese--how the wise and young Hikoichi shows his smarts with these four short stories in Japanese. Yes, you can read real Japanese--even if you are just... more
Get FREE MP3s of the stories read by a native Japanese speaker. Listen while reading. The link to the MP3s is found on the last page. NEW--just added four new MP3s: each story read slowly for increased comprehension.
Read--in Japanese--how the wise and young Hikoichi shows his smarts with these four short stories in Japanese. Yes, you can read real Japanese--even if you are just... more
Don't have time to read the top Japan Travel Guide books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
81
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 former capital of Japan every morning as they have done for centuries.
Through wars, fires, famines, tyrants, and now rapid modernization, the old neighborhoods of Kyoto are... more
Through wars, fires, famines, tyrants, and now rapid modernization, the old neighborhoods of Kyoto are... more
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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 divine sovereign. It was the terminus of the Silk Road, the furthest end of the known world, a fertile source of inspiration for European artists, and an enduring symbol of the... more
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 divine sovereign. It was the terminus of the Silk Road, the furthest end of the known world, a fertile source of inspiration for European artists, and an enduring symbol of the... more
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An enchanting and fascinating insight into Japanese landscape, culture, history and future.
Originally written in Japanese, this passionate, vividly personal book draws on the author's experiences in Japan over thirty years. Alex Kerr brings to life the ritualized world of Kabuki, retraces his initiation into Tokyo's boardrooms during the heady Bubble Years, and tells the story of the hidden valley that became his home.
But the book is not just a love letter. Haunted throughout by nostalgia for the Japan of old, Kerr's book is part paean to that great country and... more
Originally written in Japanese, this passionate, vividly personal book draws on the author's experiences in Japan over thirty years. Alex Kerr brings to life the ritualized world of Kabuki, retraces his initiation into Tokyo's boardrooms during the heady Bubble Years, and tells the story of the hidden valley that became his home.
But the book is not just a love letter. Haunted throughout by nostalgia for the Japan of old, Kerr's book is part paean to that great country and... more
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JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNER - Showcasing the new talent of Tokyo's vibrant food scene, Andrea Fazzari profiles 31 chefs who are shaping the future of one of the world's most dynamic cities.
In a luxe collection filled with portraits, interviews, and recipes, author and photographer Andrea Fazzari explores the changing landscape of food in Tokyo, Japan. A young and charismatic generation is redefining what it means to be a chef in this celebrated food city. Open to the world and its influences, these chefs have traveled more than their predecessors, have lived abroad,... more
In a luxe collection filled with portraits, interviews, and recipes, author and photographer Andrea Fazzari explores the changing landscape of food in Tokyo, Japan. A young and charismatic generation is redefining what it means to be a chef in this celebrated food city. Open to the world and its influences, these chefs have traveled more than their predecessors, have lived abroad,... more
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In 1689 Matsuo Basho, Japan’s greatest poet, set out on his last and longest journey, to the remote northern provinces.
His moving account, rich in strange and sometimes comic encounters along the road, is the most famous and much loved work in Japanese literature.
Three hundred years later, inspired by Basho’s writing and her passion for Japan, Lesley Downer set off in his footsteps.
Walking and hitchhiking towards the Sacred Mountains with their legendary hermit priests, meeting people who had never seen a Westerner and dining on flowers and sautéed... more
His moving account, rich in strange and sometimes comic encounters along the road, is the most famous and much loved work in Japanese literature.
Three hundred years later, inspired by Basho’s writing and her passion for Japan, Lesley Downer set off in his footsteps.
Walking and hitchhiking towards the Sacred Mountains with their legendary hermit priests, meeting people who had never seen a Westerner and dining on flowers and sautéed... more
87
Active travelers trust National Geographic to deliver what they want in a guidebook--expert advice, insider tips, and the cultural feel of each destination not easily found online. These guides are pitch-perfect for today's experiential travel enthusiasts who want an authentic, enriching immersion.
Bornoff describes the best ways to tackle Tokyo and other must-see sites in Japan such as Mount Fuji, imperial Kyoto, historical Nagasaki, Hokkaido and its national parks, and dozens of other major and lesser-known places. In-depth features discuss the fascinating contrasts between... more
Bornoff describes the best ways to tackle Tokyo and other must-see sites in Japan such as Mount Fuji, imperial Kyoto, historical Nagasaki, Hokkaido and its national parks, and dozens of other major and lesser-known places. In-depth features discuss the fascinating contrasts between... more
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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 period and collapse of the Bubble Economy in the early 1990's. Recent findings shed additional light on the origins of Japanese civilization and the birth of Japanese... more
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 period and collapse of the Bubble Economy in the early 1990's. Recent findings shed additional light on the origins of Japanese civilization and the birth of Japanese... more
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In 1987, the Japanese government inaugurated the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program in response to global pressure to "internationalize" its society. This ambitious program has grown to be a major government operation, with an annual budget of $400 million (greater than the United States NEA and NEH combined) and more than six thousand foreign nationals employed each year in public schools all over Japan.
How does a relatively homogeneous and insular society react when a buzzword is suddenly turned into a reality? How did the arrival of so many foreigners affect Japan's... more
How does a relatively homogeneous and insular society react when a buzzword is suddenly turned into a reality? How did the arrival of so many foreigners affect Japan's... more
Don't have time to read the top Japan Travel Guide books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.
91
This is a comprehensive upper-beginner level Japanese textbook and language learning program.
Elementary Japanese is designed for students who are just beginning their study of the Japanese language at the first-year college level or on their own. The author and contributors have created a highly structured approach to learning Japanese based on acquiring the fundamental patterns and constructions of the language as well as the Japanese writing system including the basic Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji characters.
Each volume of this two-book set is designed... more
Elementary Japanese is designed for students who are just beginning their study of the Japanese language at the first-year college level or on their own. The author and contributors have created a highly structured approach to learning Japanese based on acquiring the fundamental patterns and constructions of the language as well as the Japanese writing system including the basic Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji characters.
Each volume of this two-book set is designed... more
92
Guidebook to Japan's Kumano Kodo, a series of UNESCO-listed pilgrimage routes that crisscross the mountainous Kii peninsula, south of Osaka. Centred on three Shinto-Buddhist shrines known as the Kumano Sanzan, the ancient trails blend great hiking and exceptional natural beauty with a unique insight into Japan's rich history, culture and spirituality. The guide covers the 64km Nakahechi and 63km Kohechi trails in full, as well as the Choishimichi route to Koyasan (20km), the Hongu loop (17km) and highlights of the Iseji trail. It can be used to plan and undertake an independent trek or to... more
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Tokyo is ground zero for Japan's famous "geek" or otaku culture—a phenomenon that has now swept across the globe.
This is the most comprehensive Japan travel guide ever produced which features Tokyo's geeky underworld. It provides a comprehensive run-down on each major Tokyo district where geeks congregate, shop, play and hang out—from hi-tech Akihabara and trendy Harajuku to newer and lesser-known haunts like chic Shimo-Kita and working-class Ikebukuro.
Dozens of iconic shops, restaurants, cafes and clubs in each area are described in loving detail with... more
This is the most comprehensive Japan travel guide ever produced which features Tokyo's geeky underworld. It provides a comprehensive run-down on each major Tokyo district where geeks congregate, shop, play and hang out—from hi-tech Akihabara and trendy Harajuku to newer and lesser-known haunts like chic Shimo-Kita and working-class Ikebukuro.
Dozens of iconic shops, restaurants, cafes and clubs in each area are described in loving detail with... more
94
Gain inspiration and new gardening ideas with this elegant and beautifully photographed Japanese gardening book.
Japanese garden design, know to the West primarily in its traditional form, has undergone striking developments over the last decade. Leading landscape designers such as Shunmyo Masuno, Masatoshi Takebe, Atsuchi Akenuki, and Yasujirou Aoki, as well as architects such as Kengo Kuma, Kan Izue, and Kisho Kurokawa, have been experimenting more and more with the form, style, and content of their garden designs.
The Modern Japanese Garden is the first book... more
Japanese garden design, know to the West primarily in its traditional form, has undergone striking developments over the last decade. Leading landscape designers such as Shunmyo Masuno, Masatoshi Takebe, Atsuchi Akenuki, and Yasujirou Aoki, as well as architects such as Kengo Kuma, Kan Izue, and Kisho Kurokawa, have been experimenting more and more with the form, style, and content of their garden designs.
The Modern Japanese Garden is the first book... more
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Travel to Japan and discover Tokyo's best sushi and sake spots, stroll Kyoto's gardens, and climb sacred Mount Fuji--with National Geographic as your trusted guide.
The latest edition of this popular guidebook, updated by Japan travel expert Perrin Lindelauf, covers all the main cities, towns, and regions of Japan, helping travelers negotiate one of Asia's most popular yet challenging destinations. Travel information tips for Tokyo and Japan's eight main islands and regions are fully revised and updated in this latest edition, with useful new sidebars giving simple directions on... more
The latest edition of this popular guidebook, updated by Japan travel expert Perrin Lindelauf, covers all the main cities, towns, and regions of Japan, helping travelers negotiate one of Asia's most popular yet challenging destinations. Travel information tips for Tokyo and Japan's eight main islands and regions are fully revised and updated in this latest edition, with useful new sidebars giving simple directions on... more
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Japan is steeped in legend and myth, perhaps the greatest of which is the popular misconception that the country is simply too expensive to visit. The truth is that flights to Japan are cheaper than they've ever been, accommodation can be great value, while the warm hospitality which awaits every visitor costs nothing at all. The real secret to travelling around the country on a budget, however, is the Japan Rail Pass. Use this comprehensive guide in conjunction with a rail pass to get the most out of a trip to Japan. Practical information planning your trip; when to go; suggested... more
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When Peter Carey offered to take his son to Japan, 12-year-old Charley stipulated no temples or museums. He wanted to see manga, anime, and cool, weird stuff. His father said yes. Out of that bargain comes this enchanting tour of the mansion of Japanese culture, as entered through its garish, brightly lit back door. Guided–and at times judged–by an ineffably strange boy named Takashi, the Careys meet manga artists and anime directors, the meticulous impersonators called “visualists,” and solitary, nerdish otaku. Throughout, the Booker Prize-winning novelist makes... more
98
An intimate account of a college graduate's three years teaching English in Japan, this book follows a young man's experience diving headfirst into a new culture and way of life. From an elderly couple who take him on nerve-wracking expeditions to the junior high school students he must teach despite a complete lack of experience, this hilarious, intimate account unravels the cultural mysteries of modern Japan. less
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While on a business trip to Kobe, Tsuneo Asai receives the news that his wife Eiko has died of a heart attack. Eiko had a heart condition so the news of her death wasn't totally unexpected. But the circumstances of her demise left Tsuneo, a softly-spoken government bureaucrat, perplexed. How did it come about that his wife—who was shy and withdrawn, and only left their house twice a week to go to haiku meetings—ended up dead in a small shop in a shady Tokyo neighborhood?
When Tsuneo goes to apologize to the boutique owner for the trouble caused by his wife’s death he discovers the... more
When Tsuneo goes to apologize to the boutique owner for the trouble caused by his wife’s death he discovers the... more
Don't have time to read the top Japan Travel Guide books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.