Fodor's Exploring Japan

by David Scott

· A lively, graphic, full-color guidebook to Japan, including modern Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Hiroshima, and more.
· Color photography and archival and other illustrations throughout; zingy captions.
· Intelligent, opinionated writing by David Scott.
· Solid travel reportage on every region punctuated by lively sidebars on local color, personalities, culture, and history--all packed with fascinating trivia.
· What to see and do, including walking and driving tours to gardens, temples, shrines, and museums.
· Special rating system identifying not-to-be-missed sights.
· To-the-point reviews of dining and lodging.
· Key planning information.
· Over 15 detailed maps and plans.
· Comprehensive destination/topic index.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Japan, Reference

Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Silas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent resource for getting acquainted with Japan before a trip. A lot of the information here, I was able to find online before reading this, but many of the topics had more details here than elsewhere, including addresses and websites, as well as traveling resources that are available locally in English. In addition to the written part, there is an abundance of pictures illustrating things you will see in Japan beyond just the standard sights. Even though the book covered much more, geographically than my trip will, it had enough I valuable information interspersed throughout that I went ahead and read up on areas I'm not even going to visit. Definitely worthwhile if you are planning a trip to Japan.

[Lisa Matheny · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is jam-packed with info....too much to be able to use. Not so much for first-time travelers.

[Aaron Wong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scott, D. (2008). Fodor's exploring Japan: Discover the country's cultural and historical treasures, pastimes, and pleasures (6th ed.). New York: Fodor's Travel.

Must-sees:
Onsen (hot spring resort), minshuku (homestay), ryokan (traditional inn), ramen, pachinko (pinball arcade)

Honshu
Tokyo: Lake Chuzenji's Kegon Waterfall (elevator), Disneyland, Harajuku, Shinjuku
Fuji-Hakone-Izu Nat Park: Mt Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchi-ko's Mt Tenjo observation tower, Shoji-ko's trail to Jukai Sea of Trees), Hakone (Lake Ashi cruise, Ropeway (Japan's longest at 33min), Owakudani (Great Boiling Valley) Gorge)
Kyoto: Imperial Palace (fast-track for foreigners), Nijo Castle, Daitokuji Temple (Daisen-in eastern Zen garden), Ginkakuji/Kinkakuji temples (silver & gold), Ryoanji Temple (sand-rock Zen garden), Heian Shrine (seasonal flower gardens), Kiyomizudera Temple (dancing stage above gorge), Katsura Imperial Villa (Japan's greatest garden designer's masterpiece)
Matsumoto: Castle

Hokkaido
Daisetsuzan Nat Park: Asahidake Onsen, Sounkyo Gorge (Ryusei-no-taki & Ginga-no-taki waterfalls; Mt Kurodake cable car)
Hakodate: Yama mountain
Sapporo: Ramen Yokocho, Odori Park's Yuki Matsuri snow festival (1st Wed of Feb)
Shikotsu-Toya Nat Park: Abuta Volcano Science Museum (experience room), Jigokudani (Hell Valley), Noboribetsu Onsen (45-92°C springs), Toyako Onsen (boat across Lake Toya)

[Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our son Mika and his family lived in Yokohama, Japan, for three years in the early 2000's. This was their book which they shared with my wife and I when we visited them in the late fall of 2002, after I retired from my Administrator position in Springfield, IL. I don't believe any guide book could do a better job than Fodor's did with this book. We used it to tour all of southern and western Honshu, the main island of Japan: from Tokyo to Hiroshima. My wife and I had lived for two years on the southern island of Kyushu from 1960-62 while I worked as Chief Announcer on the US military's Far East Network. We lived near Fukuoka, at Itazuke Air Force Base, which was closed many years ago.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so ensightful and makes me want to see Japan even more.

[mairead! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Photos are old and delightful thus. Seems a bit dated but also has some things I didn't see in other books?