Frommer's Japan

by Beth Reiber, Janie Spencer

Experience a place the way the locals do. Enjoy the best it has to offer. Frommer's. The best trips start here.
* Insider tips on the best Japanese culinary experiences, from indulging in an exquisite kaiseki feast to plucking plates off a conveyor belt at a kaiten sushi shop.
* Outspoken opinions on what's worth your time and what's not.
* Exact prices, so you can plan the perfect trip whatever your budget.
* Off-the-beaten-path experiences and undiscovered gems, plus new takes on top attractions.

Find great deals and book your trip at Frommers.com

Genres: Japan, Travel, Nonfiction, Reference

658 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1994

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t read it cover to cover because there is so much information and we won’t be going to all those areas of the country. I’m glad it was my second Japan travel guide to read though because it helped me get more needed details about possible day trips and walking tours.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though the edition I was using was published in 2008, I've found that "Frommer's Japan" is the best guide to Japan I've read thus far. This guide provides maps of cities that mark each place the book mentions and also marks useful places like railways, subways and post offices. Though the prices have changed, another handy thing this book offers is an estimate on the price of a travel ticket from Tokyo to whatever city. "Travel ticket" includes airplane, the shikansen (bullet train), trains and even buses. Other useful things this book covers are rating restaurants and hotels from expensive to cheapest, small cultural notes (ie. in most restaurants, orders are taken up to 30-60 minutes until close), websites for further research about a certain city, city layouts and museums. "Frommer's Japan" also labels attractions under titles like "overrated" and "family friendly."

This book has much more to offer after these mentioned attributes. "Frommer's Japan" is strictly practical though; don't expect to read about cultural philosophy or some complex topic. Also, nearly zero pictures with the exception of the maps.

[Quicksilver Quill · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Frommer's Japan author Beth Reiber does a great job in demystifying the culture of Japan and providing top notch tips on how to see and enjoy this beautiful country in the most efficient and memorable way possible.

I felt in good hands with this author as most of her information and recommendations were right on the money. It is unfortunate, therefore, that as of this writing there appear to be no new full and updated editions of this guide helmed by Reiber herself for Frommer's. Hopefully she will be able to update this guide soon since her travel expertise is always appreciated.

[Geng]

Excellent guide to Japan. I found that many guidebooks don't have an opinion, i.e. spend a week in every place and no effort is made to explain what your priorities should be. I read a guidebook for advice, not facts! Facts I can get off the Internet. It was refreshing to finally read a book on Japan in which the author clearly stated "not worth your time" or "good museum but this other one in Tokyo is better". I usually rely on Rick Steves, but he only covers Europe, so this book was a lifesaver for planning our trip to Japan.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive, no-nonsense (yet fun!) source for travel in Japan. It was valuable for finding places to visit, sleep, and eat during a recent two-week trip, as well as understanding Japanese culture and avoiding horrible faux pas such as blowing one's nose in public.
We did encounter one mistake in the information for the Kyoto Imperial Palace. If you happen to be going, the place to sign up for tours is not in the NE corner of the palace grounds, but rather on the west side. The grounds are enormous, so this does make a difference.

[Zareek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this as a research material for my recent trip to Japan. Unlike other guidebooks that spew facts after facts onto you, this one gives personal opinion on what to do, what to skip, how best to explore a city etc. Well organized, nicely chapter-ed, fun and fact-filled at the same time.

If you feel Lonely Planet is overwhelming, then start with this one first. Once you feel you've got your hands on Japan, advance to Lonely Planet. I did just that, and I couldn't think of any better way to learn about this awesome country.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jak większość praktycznych przewodników Pascala ten również jest bardzo dobry. Najpierw jest prawie sto pięćdziesiąt stron informacji o kraju i informacji praktycznych przydatnych w czasie pobytu w tak odmiennym kulturowo od Polski kraju. Przewodnik jest podzielony na poszczególne regiony z działami Komunikacja, Hotele itp.

[Mauri · Rating 4 out of 5]

All hail the book that got my charge and I safely in AND out of Kyoto. A good reference for the whole country, including the less well-known bits, but I would recommend buying the individual city guides if you're going into town.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an EXTREMELY helpful book in planning my trip to Japan. I basically used this book to set up the whole 2-week itinerary from scratch. I had a great time and saw a lot of amazing things; this book hit the nail on the head over and over.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough. Lots of good suggestions about sites to see and a snapshot of the history. Though I did find one restaurant that was not where it was supposed to be......

[Ash Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best travel guide to Japan without a doubt.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Includes a lot of info about tourist destinations, but we need more info specific to Hiroshima prefecture. Glad to know this is at the library - will be reading it again!