Few countries stimulate the senses like Japan. Its extraordinary history, artistic and cultural heritage, unique traditions and philosophies - as well as its immense technological achievements - result in a complex nation, confronting the visitor with a vast range of choices. This guide offers a perceptive, carefully considered selection of the Japanese experience, a gourmet's choice for the discerning traveler. This informative and handy book will help you confront the bewildering array of choices available in Japan by choosing the best of where to go and what to do, as well as highlighting some of the lesser-known and undiscovered aspects of a profoundly fascinating land. This friendly and informed guidebook is indispensable. At the same time, its portfolio of brilliant photos provide the reader with a true sense of place and a colorful souvenir of memorable sights and experiences.

Japan mesmerizes and bewilders the visitor in equal measure, making a top-notch travel guide essential for anyone planning a trip to the land of the rising sun. Rob Goss is an award-winning Japan travel writer who has lived in the country for years. From fast-paced Tokyo to the serene temples and gardens of Kyoto to the booming winter resort of Niseko, Goss shows visitors where to experience the country's rich culinary traditions, pop culture, Samurai heritage, and so much more. Delving beyond the scope of traditional guidebooks, Japan Traveler's Companion showcases the insider's Japan, offering detailed itineraries for each region as well as: Information on the country's 100 most important tourist sights, including 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Illustrated introductions to Japanese cuisine, popular culture, and Samurai history A map of each region with suggested walks Tips for getting off the beaten path and finding Japan's lesser-known treasures, such as the contemporary "art island" of Naoshim and Yakushima's breathtaking flora and fauna Engagingly written and richly illustrated with hundreds of color photos, this Japan travel guide is the one book visitors will keep by their side before, during, and long after they complete their journey.

Although frequently misunderstood as a homogenous nation, Japan is a land of tremendous linguistic, geographical, and cultural diversity. Readers can let Japan's literary masters be their guide--from the beauty of northern Hokkaido through the hustle and bustle of Tokyo to the many temples in Kyoto through Osaka and the coastline of the Sea of Japan--to a country that only the finest stories can reveal.

"Japan Explorer's Guide: A Traveler's Companion" by Ronald L. Bakke is a mesmerizing journey through the heart and soul of Japan.

Helps the Western traveler visiting Japan appreciate a culture startlingly different in many ways from his own, discussing the Japanese code of behavior, system of physical hygiene, procedures for serving and eating food, amusements, subway and railroad systems, and historical and religious heritage

What is it about Japan that so beguiles foreigners? It is a small country and yet an economic powerhouse, a land of great natural beauty -- from green-cloaked mountains to glistening rice paddies -- a place of intricate arts and crafts and amazing cuisine, and home to a people whose kindness and sensitivity surprise westerners at each turn. It is no wonder that Japan simultaneously astonishes, delights, and frustrates travelers, and the diverse tales in this book reveal the nation in all its contradictions: a place of tranquil temples and high-tech toilets, exquisite ancient inns and lurid love hotels, where electric baths sit beside indoor ski slopes, and cherry blossoms fall on kindly grandmothers, cynical salarymen, wise monks, and wild lovers alike. Gathered in this collection are pieces by several notable authors, each offering anecdotes that tell of encounters to be had or avoided, each with uncommon insight to enrich the traveler's experience.

Finding your way around the various regions of Japan is a breeze with this handy Tuttle Japan Traveler's Atlas. Designed for the adventurous traveler and containing all the maps you'll need on your explorations, this atlas includes many views that are not available anywhere else. The atlas is conveniently divided into the major regions of Japan: Tokyo Mt. Fuji & Around Tokyo Central Honshu Kyoto Kansai Hiroshima & Western Honshu Northern Honshu Hokkaido Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa & the Southwest Islands Each of the 148 maps in this atlas is presented in a logical, easy-to-follow manner, with emphasis on the most frequently-visited areas. All cities, towns, villages, places of interest including nature reserves are indexed for quick reference. Comprehensive: detailed insets are given for all the major cities, travel destinations and business hubs in Japan. Informative: Precise locations are indicated for all popular sights, hotels, restaurants, temples, shopping malls and other essential locations. Practical: The handy size, well-designed key maps and comprehensive index help you find any place you are looking for quickly. Reliable: No need to worry about cell service or battery--the maps in this atlas are thoroughly researched and regularly updated by the leading publisher of Asia Pacific maps.