Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
in Japan you need pictures, 22 Sep 2004
I recently used the Lonely Planet Guide in Japan, for a first-time visit. I can't read any Japanese or speak any. Without the Lonely Planet I wouldn't have found any interesting accommodation, nor some great places to visit (notably a Buddhist temple where I stayed). So for helping me out with the itinerary alone, it was well worth it.
It does a reasonable job of explaining things like how the train system works, how to get from A to B and certain aspects of Japanese culture. I found the maps of Kyoto difficult because they unhelpfully divided the city up (and they didn't tally straightforwardly with other maps from the tourist office). The real limitation, for me, is that to get around in Japan you need to recognise things visually because few streets have names, the food looks unfamiliar, and the whole place has a terrific visual aesthetic of its own. So my ideal guide to Japan would have LOTS of pictures, and Lonely Planet doesn't do this: ideally you need something else with it.
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30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
An English visitor's bible of a land of cultural mystery, 16 Jul 2001
By A Customer
As the book itself points out, the best way to discover Japan is to experience it yourself. Englishmen Rowthorn and Ashburne (a Yorkshireman living in Kyoto no less), together with two US colleagues, write a thorough account of Japan the country, Japan the unique culture, society and those important do's and dont's. There is a very substantial chapter on Japenese cuisine, which deserves a book in itself. Travelling independently in Japan, I found this book as an essential part of my luggage as my toothbrush and passport. With so many language difficulties, the Lonely P guide was indeed the "babel-fish" translator which got me through. Take eating out for example. With dozens of suggestions for every major Town or City to treat every budget, and you do need to watch your budget in Japan(!), I was never disapppointed in their recommendations. Read about the "Ryokan" experience and when you do go, do not miss out on staying at least one night at these traditional hostelries. The guide recommends those that cater for foreign visitors.This book is a must for the independent traveller to Japan. If you are going to the World cup 2002, buy it now. You will be able to plan that trip much better.
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17 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
Frustrating guide in a frustrating country, 11 Aug 2002
Not as helpful as other Lonely Planet guides in terms of finding your way around a country. Background information on history, culture, and social norms is undeniably comprehensive, yet for the first time non Japanese speaking visitor, the book can be as confusing and infruriating as the Tokyo underground. Directions are vague, maps lack detail, and the layout of chapters is muddled. The book contains many recommendations on restaurants, shops and historic sights, yet actually finding such places on the basis of the instructions given frequently proved to be a major challenge. The lasting impression is one of frustration, since the book provides so many indications as to what to see and do, and yet does not adequately allow you to find them.
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