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Lonely Planet Discover Japan (Travel Guide) Paperback – November 1, 2013
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38 of 38 people found the following review helpful
By
Charles E. Stevens
VINE VOICE on November 28, 2013
Format: Paperback
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For some reason, English-language travel guides on Japan tend to fall short. Either a book attempts to stuff in too much information to the point that it resembles the size and uselessness of a phone book (the regular Lonely Planet guide to Japan comes to mind) or is so superficial (i.e. lots of pretty pictures, little substance) that a first-time traveler might use it as an "idea book" for sketching out a general itinerary, but need to rely on something else when they're actually on the ground in the country. Lonely Planet's "Discover" series has attempted to split the difference ever since they came on the scene a few years ago, and while I think they could benefit from a bit more substance, I actually think this book does an admirable job: I can recommend it for both pre-trip planning and on-the-ground reference. I tend to be quite hard on Japan tour books, but despite my skepticism, I found that I like this book.
Just as a little bit of background, I lived in Japan for two years (one year in Yokohama, one on the rural island of Shikoku), speak the language, and have traveled extensively in the country from Hokkaido to the southern reaches of Okinawa and many places in between. I say this to give background on my perspective, and perhaps explain why I tend to be tough on tour books on Japan: if they skimp on key details or omit a place that a tourist should know about, I tend to notice. And, Discover Japan does omit some places, but nothing criminal for the average tourist who will concentrate largely on Honshu (if, however, you plan to concentrate primarily on one of the other islands--Kyushu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, or the delightful Okinawa--this guide is likely not for you).Read more ›
Just as a little bit of background, I lived in Japan for two years (one year in Yokohama, one on the rural island of Shikoku), speak the language, and have traveled extensively in the country from Hokkaido to the southern reaches of Okinawa and many places in between. I say this to give background on my perspective, and perhaps explain why I tend to be tough on tour books on Japan: if they skimp on key details or omit a place that a tourist should know about, I tend to notice. And, Discover Japan does omit some places, but nothing criminal for the average tourist who will concentrate largely on Honshu (if, however, you plan to concentrate primarily on one of the other islands--Kyushu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, or the delightful Okinawa--this guide is likely not for you).Read more ›
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By
A Customer
on January 18, 2014
Format: Paperback
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I ran a boutique travel company, specializing in Russia and the former Soviet Union. Therefore I know what I like in travel guides:
-Portability
-Ease of Use
-Smart Tips
-Comprehensive recommendations without being overwhelming
-Background necessary to understand a particular attraction, and hopefully a particular culture.
Lonely Planet Discover Japan fits all of these requirements.
It is an ideal travel guide for someone
-looking for an overview of the entire country of Japan, especially for planning purposes
-traveling for business to Tokyo and another region, and wants to do some sightseeing on the side
It is less than ideal for someone
-spending a year in Japan, traveling to several regions
-spending a week in Tokyo or another region
For these people Lonely Planet has a more comprehensive Japan guide, as well as guides for Tokyo.
-Portability
-Ease of Use
-Smart Tips
-Comprehensive recommendations without being overwhelming
-Background necessary to understand a particular attraction, and hopefully a particular culture.
Lonely Planet Discover Japan fits all of these requirements.
It is an ideal travel guide for someone
-looking for an overview of the entire country of Japan, especially for planning purposes
-traveling for business to Tokyo and another region, and wants to do some sightseeing on the side
It is less than ideal for someone
-spending a year in Japan, traveling to several regions
-spending a week in Tokyo or another region
For these people Lonely Planet has a more comprehensive Japan guide, as well as guides for Tokyo.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By
Quickbeam
VINE VOICE on January 12, 2014
Format: Paperback
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I have both the Lonely Planet Country Guide and this Discover Guide to Japan. This Discover Guide is about half the size of the Country Guide and packed full of easy to access information. About the first third is about Tokyo with regional sections after that plus a history and survival guide in the back. There is a nice Tokyo map.
There is no "fat" here; it is all lean, fast reading essential information for those without a lot of time to drift though a travel book. I think it serves a critical function for those in business who may not have a lot of lead time before their trip. You cannot go wrong with this book. It is up to date highlights can't miss attractions as well as accommodations and transportation. Highly recommended.
Got the luxury of time before your trip? Add the Lonely Planet Country Guide/Japan and you will have all you need for an in depth, comprehensive travel plan for Japan.
There is no "fat" here; it is all lean, fast reading essential information for those without a lot of time to drift though a travel book. I think it serves a critical function for those in business who may not have a lot of lead time before their trip. You cannot go wrong with this book. It is up to date highlights can't miss attractions as well as accommodations and transportation. Highly recommended.
Got the luxury of time before your trip? Add the Lonely Planet Country Guide/Japan and you will have all you need for an in depth, comprehensive travel plan for Japan.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By
Sibelius
on February 2, 2014
Format: Paperback
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Lonely Planet's "Discover" series of guides are relatively compact books (this one weighs under 1.3 pounds) with attractive design and an emphasis on quick, handy information to be used while on the ground but equally effective for pre-trip planning purposes. Their most recent Japan edition (published Dec 1, 2013) is an effective and purposeful guide with plenty of good detail on all the major regions and sights to visit. While this book is designed for a first time visitor to Japan providing all the necessary info you'd need to make your visit a memorable one - there is a plethora of 'insider' tips that I was unaware of (I've made over 6 trips for business/pleasure) and have discovered a good amount of destinations to experience the next time I make a trip there.
This book also gets high marks for its physical design. Each of its 400 pages are printed in full color on rigid color with a good layout balance of photos, sidebars and text. There is a detachable color map of Tokyo provided and the book's sizing at 8x5 inches allows for easy portability during your excursions. A great book that I will get plenty of use from for the next few years.
This book also gets high marks for its physical design. Each of its 400 pages are printed in full color on rigid color with a good layout balance of photos, sidebars and text. There is a detachable color map of Tokyo provided and the book's sizing at 8x5 inches allows for easy portability during your excursions. A great book that I will get plenty of use from for the next few years.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By
Alysse Rice
on August 5, 2014
Format: Paperback
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We had only 2 weeks to plan our 14 day Japan vacation, this book was the one we tried to base some of our suggested itineraries off. Once we got into the country, we realized that the book missed some of the off the beaten path places and shrines. We ended up using tripadvisor and other websites to see and read what really was happening in the different cities where we were traveling and see festivals and understand the weather etc.. I think this book provides some good information, but it lacks depth. The book gives you a few ideas and things to try, but doesn't go further beyond those and really fell short of what I expected would be explained/covered in the book. I would possibly try pairing this with another guide-book or possibly using some travel websites.
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