National Geographic Traveler: Japan, 4th Edition

“National Geographic Traveler: Japan” is a comprehensive, information-packed, well-organized travel guide that will benefit both armchair travelers and those actually visiting Japan. In preparing for a visit to that country, Nicholas Bornoff’s and Perrin Lindelauf’s book has been invaluable. Ken Shimizu’s exquisite photographs are amazing and significantly enhance the informative text. Beginning with an overview of Japanese history and culture, the book is divided into chapters that focus on Tokyo and eight other areas of Japan. A color square surrounding the page number denotes each separate portion of the book. This makes it easy to find and focus on the specific area of interest. Rather than having the entire section run as a continuous text, the authors have thoughtfully divided the information into smaller chunks. Within those sections, light blue boxes surround interesting and informative sidebars. The map reference, address, telephone number, days closed and journey time for walks and hikes, and subway stop for some of the different points of interest appear in the outside margin of some pages. Throughout “National Geographic Traveler: Japan”, maps and longer articles focusing on historically or culturally significant events appear. Scattered throughout the book, are suggestions and detailed information on walking tours printed on light, lime green pages. A final “Travelwise” section concludes the book. This section provides brief information on hotels and restaurants, shopping, festivals, and entertainment in various cities. If you are truly adventurous or intrepid, a subway map on the inside back cover may give you an idea about how to best navigate through the system. “National Geographic Traveler: Japan” is not a quick, easy travel guide. It is a detailed, concise information source for travelers or for those who want to learn more about that country. The one major drawback to this fine volume is the size and font of the text. The contrast may not be sufficient for those who require reading glasses. Further, an e-version of this book, possibly abridged, would be very useful for travelers.

I'll start this review explaining the background of why I purchased this book. If you just want the review, please scroll down, thank you. BACKGROUND: My girlfriend wants to travel to Japan someday and is really, really interested in almost everything about Japan. I saw this book and I thought: "Maybe this will give her even more reasons to want to go there" However, I wasn't so sure about the kind of content that I would find within this book (a lot of people have written reviews but to me they seemed very general, sorry). Anyway, my review will try to be more thorough and hopefully someone in my situation will benefit my review so... here goes something. REVIEW: INTRODUCTION: Let's start with the external part of the book: The picture in the cover is beautiful, this image shown here doesn't make it justice. It feels and looks fantastic, not too big nor heavy and feels solid. Every single page has information about something! There is not one page that is useless, a lot of content here but... what kind of content you may ask? CONTENT: You will read about a little about the history, the culture, the maps, the places and the people from Japan. This is meant for traveller's but I assure you even non-travellers will find interesting stuff here. Anything from breakfast manners to how you must behave in specific places such as temples, restaurants, etc. You will read about the major cities and towns but also you will learn about those small events that you would only know if you lived there. Example: There was a section about a certain city that had an all out sell out the 7th of every month since October or something like that. My point: Those kind of small details that you would love to know as a traveller. This is a very complete guide on how to get to Japan and, depending on how long you stay, what are the "must do" stuff before you leave. Buy this book! You will not regret it.

While this book does show the highlights of Japan, it didn't go into enough real in depth information to help me plan my trip. It does have a section dedicated to traveler advice in the back of the book, but the section is fairly inadequate. For example, the book will frequently talk about a destination but then give incomplete information on how to get there. Many of the more rural locations are only accessible by bus (such as Nikko, Hakone area, etc.), which this book doesn't get into. The subway map of Tokyo in the back of the book is also incomplete, be sure to pick up a tourist guide to Tokyo at a JR station (they're free, but they disappear from shelves very quickly, be sure to ask the clerks if there are no copies out), it was a life saver.

A very in-depth and well-written book that gives good detail of the various regions of Japan and many of the sights to behold (many of the more popular that is). A couple of downsides: it reads very much like a magazine, each "chapter" while extensive is written in abbreviated points to push in more popular sights for the location while less busy places spend time ruminating on what I would describe as "fluff", and as well this book is by no means comprehensive and seems to be slightly outdated. Overall, two thumbs up: It gets in (most of) the sights and the atmosphere, cultural endeavors and suggestions for the traveler, gives good price outlines, and a well-rounded view of places to visit should you want to take the plunge to the Far East.

A three-way winner. Outstanding for use before, during, and after trips to Japan. Photographs are extensive and stunning. Text is well organized and description are first rate. Provides a fine balance between must-visit destinations on and off tourist beaten paths (especially in Western, Southern, and extreme Northern Japan . I have discovered that even native Japanese are impressed when they see it! First time visitors (and even seasoned travelers) will find this book valuable when showing others where they have been (and plan to go next time) as well as an user-friendly aid when trying to remember (and learning to pronounce) the names of favorite Japanese destinations. (I also usually take a copy to meetings/gatherings related to Japan, since it can help to “break the ice.”) Each edition is pretty similar, but you may end up buying the latest one as a result of literally wearing out older editions. WILLIAM FLANIGAN, PhD.

Very well written. Covers all the must-see tourist destinations of Japan and gives historic significance of each of them. Moreover, the history written like a story, making it really enjoyable to read. Since it gives a lot of background story about each place, when you actually visit them they stay in memory forever. I am really glad I read this book before visiting. Has some wonderful pictures too !

Took this to Japan with me, along with several other Japan travel books. As always, National Geographic pictures and books are great. Just wish it were available electronically. Books tend to add to the weight in the back pack! Also, Japan and other countries change so rapidly - not all info is current. But still great. Between the various books, we had it covered.

I found it very informative and helpful in planning my trip to Japan, and I plan on taking it with me when I go as it is full of useful information.

OK

ありがとうございました。大変まんぞくしています。機会があればまたお願い致します。

Excellent book for the traveller to Japan. Full of interesting facts and tips for your trip or just read on its own. Maybe a bit heavy to carry around on your trip but a good read beforehand.

Fotos a todo color, pero con información muy insuficiente sobre casi todos los aspectos de cualquier asunto y destino dentro de Japón. Después de recibir esta guía y verla en casa, decidí comprarme la Lonely Planet.

I always - if possible - favour NG guide books. This one proved as valuable as the others in my possession - e. g. Egypt and Mexico - and very well layoutet! Groing older I tend to think that the print - from a reading point - might be a bit bigger. But please don't join the wave of short snappy guide books.