The Best Japan Travel Guide Books of All Time

Discover the most influential japan travel guide books, recommended by leaders, experts, and readers worldwide

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1
Book Cover of Fodor’s Travel Guides - Fodor's Essential Japan (Full-color Travel Guide)
4.82
| 2022 | 784 Pages
Recommended for: 
Travel enthusiasts and tourists looking to explore Japan. Beginner to Intermediate readers.
You will:
  • Simplify trip planning with curated recommendations and maps
  • Understand Japanese culture, etiquette, and history
  • Navigate confidently with detailed maps and itineraries
  • Discover best sights, restaurants, and activities from locals
  • Learn practical tips for saving time and money during the trip
Reviews:
Comprehensive Information
Useful Recommendations
Detailed Maps
Colorful Photos
Local Insights
Poor Packaging
Illogical Order
  • #1 Best Seller in General Japan Travel Guides on Amazon
  • Best Travel Guide Series of 2020
Recommended by The New York Times, Booklist, The Chicago Tribune and 2 others
The New York TimesFodor’s is pitched a few notches higher….aimed at a fairly discerning traveler with an appetite for background and the occasional surprise
BooklistIn terms of comprehensiveness of coverage, the very accessible format, and the enthusiastic tone, this series remains one of the best on the market
The Chicago TribuneThe Fodor’s guides are notable for their ratings of sights, restaurants, shops, accommodations and attractions
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2
Book Cover of Jonathan DeHart - Moon Japan: Plan Your Trip, Avoid the Crowds, and Experience the Real Japan (Travel Guide)

By Jonathan DeHart – Tokyo-based journalist and editor (you?) 

4.74
| 2022 | 816 Pages
Recommended for: 
Travel enthusiasts seeking in-depth insights on Japan. Beginner to Intermediate readers.
You will:
  • Experience the natural wonder and rich culture of Japan
  • Learn about samurai heritage and 20th-century history
  • Hike Mt. Fuji and relax in communal hot springs
  • Feast on local flavors like ramen and sushi
  • Navigate public transportation and cultural customs
Reviews:
Flexible Itineraries
Top Sights
Outdoor Adventures
Best Local Flavors
Honest Insight
Frustrating Flipping
Disjointed Parts
  • #5 Best Seller in Kyoto Travel Guides on Amazon
The Los Angeles TimesMoon handbooks are known for cannily combining logistical information with cultural background of a country or state
The New York TimesMoon handbooks have become known as well-written and exceptionally informative guides
The Chicago TribuneMoon handbooks are always a pleasure to read. The writing is crisp, the research impressive, and the recommendations practical and down to earth
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Japan Travel Guide Book made by AI

By TailoredRead – AI that creates personalized books for you 

4.98
| 2025 | 30-300 pages
Learn Japan Travel Guide faster with a book created specifically for you by state-of-the-art AI. Our AI has vast knowledge of Japan Travel Guide, and will craft a custom-tailored book for you in just 10 minutes. This tailored book addresses YOUR unique interests, goals, knowledge level, and background. Available for online reading, PDF download, and Kindle, your custom book will provide personalized insights to help you learn faster, expand your horizons, and accomplish your goals. Embark on your Japan Travel Guide learning journey with a personalized book - made exclusively for you.
Recommended for: 
All readers across all knowledge levels.
You will:
  • Get a Japan Travel Guide book tailored to your interests, goals, and background
  • Receive a book precisely matching your background and level of knowledge
  • Select which topics you want to learn, exclude the topics you don't
  • Define your learning goals and let your book guide you to accomplish them
  • Get all the knowledge you need consolidated into a single focused book
Reviews:
Insightful
Focused
Highly Personalized
Easy to Read
Engaging
Actionable
Up-to-Date
3
Book Cover of Sarah Brekenridge - What NOT To Do - Paris (A Unique Travel Guide) (What NOT To Do - Travel Guides)

By Sarah Brekenridge – Intrepid explorer and seasoned globetrotter (you?) 

4.73
| 2024 | 144 Pages
Recommended for: 
Travelers seeking authentic experiences. Ages 12 to Adults.
You will:
  • Learn how to navigate Paris like a local and avoid common tourist traps.
  • Discover the best local eateries and hidden gems for an authentic experience.
  • Understand the cultural etiquette to enhance interactions with locals.
  • Explore off-the-beaten-path festivals and events for a unique cultural immersion.
  • Find out essential tips for planning your trip, including what to pack and when to visit.
Reviews:
Helpful Tips
Beautiful Pictures
Concise Information
Easy to Read
Culinary Insights
Repetitive
Limited Scope
  • #1 Best Seller in Loire Travel Guides on Amazon
  • New York Times Bestseller
  • Rated Amazon Best Book of the Year
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4
Book Cover of Hana Takashiro - Japan Travel Guide 2024: Your Stress-Free Travel with Practical Itineraries, Local Secrets, and Complete Transport Details
4.71
| 2024 | 138 Pages
  • #1 Best Seller in Kyoto Travel Guides on Amazon
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5
Book Cover of John H. Martin, Phyllis G. Martin - Kyoto, 29 Walks in Japan's Ancient Capital: The Definitive Guide to Kyoto's Temples, Shrines, Gardens and Palaces

By John H. Martin – Professor of Chinese and Japanese Civilization (you?) and 1 more 

4.70
| 2023 | 386 Pages
Recommended for: 
Travel enthusiasts interested in exploring Kyoto's historical and cultural sites. Beginner to Intermediate readers.
  • #36 Best Seller in Kyoto Travel Guides on Amazon
Recommended by Kyoto Journal, Stephen Mansfield, Kansai Time Out and 1 other
Kyoto JournalThis exhaustively researched book will be an invaluable field guide for any visitor seeking the essentials of its multi-layered heritage
Stephen MansfieldWhat distinguishes this title from many others purporting to be the last word on the subject is its highly detailed content, reflecting a rare cultural depth and appreciation of subject
Kansai Time OutThe book that out-temples all the rest; the essence of Kyoto
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6
Book Cover of Kaiyo Takumi - Japan Travel Guide 2024: The Up-to-Date Budget-Friendly Manual & Travel Tips with Essential Maps and Photos (First Edition) (The Complete 2024 Travel Guide)
4.70
| 2024 | 147 Pages
  • #57 Best Seller in Travel Tips on Amazon
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7
Book Cover of John Dougill, John Einarsen, Takafumi Kawakami - Zen Gardens and Temples of Kyoto: A Guide to Kyoto's Most Important Sites

By John Dougill – Professor at Ryukoku, Kyoto's largest Buddhist university (you?) and 2 more 

4.70
| 2017 | 144 Pages
Recommended for: 
Travel enthusiasts, Zen Buddhism followers, Japanese culture enthusiasts. Beginner to Intermediate readers.
You will:
  • Discover Kyoto's Zen heritage and culture through over 50 temples and gardens, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Understand the special opportunities for visitors, such as meditation sessions and temple food offerings.
  • Learn about the context of eastern and western Buddhist thought and practice from the foreword by Takafumi Kawakami.
  • Explore the histories and aesthetics of Kyoto's rich Zen Buddhist heritage through insightful commentary and stunning photos.
  • Gain valuable insights into Japanese culture and the aesthetic aspects of Zen in Kyoto.
Reviews:
Comprehensive Overview
Sensitive Photos
Insider Information
Detailed Introduction
Foreword by Expert
Repetitive
Not Practical
  • #48 Best Seller in Kyoto Travel Guides on Amazon
Reverend Daiko MatsuyamaFor those who are new to Zen, this is a perfect guide to Kyoto's wealth of gardens and temples. And even for a Japanese Zen priest like myself, it offers a different and new way of appreciating Zen in the city. This is highly recommended for those who want to go deeper into the Zen world
Daitsu Tom WrightThis book will cause the reader to ponder as to whether it is a superb photography book or a book of unique writings with photographs. Indeed, it is both. John Einarsen's photos, taken over many years, amply illustrate the refined technique and designs of Zen, while John Dougill's writings, inclusive of the stories behind the temples, show them not simply as 'holy cloisters' where celibate monks lived, but include the thinking that went into their building as well. This book is a must for those interested in the aesthetic as well as the human aspects of Zen in this remarkable city
John NelsonWhether for general reference or as a travel companion when visiting a garden, this beautiful book helps orient our attention to the values, symbols, and teachings of Zen. The harmony of insightful commentary and stunning photos brings to life the histories and aesthetics of Kyoto's rich Zen Buddhist heritage
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8
Book Cover of Robbin Allen - Effortless Japan Travel: How Anyone Can Unlock Authentic Experiences With Expert Planning, Cultural Wisdom, And A Smart Budget

By Robbin Allen – Passionate wanderer & Japan enthusiast (you?) 

4.69
| 2024 | 208 Pages
Recommended for: 
Travel enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences in Japan. Beginner to Intermediate readers.
You will:
  • Uncover hidden gems and authentic experiences in Japan beyond touristy spots.
  • Engage with locals using essential Japanese phrases and customs.
  • Feel at home in Japan by mastering local etiquette and customs.
  • Navigate Japan like a pro with expert travel tips and money-saving hacks.
  • Immerse in Japanese gastronomy and cultural wonders for a delightful experience.
Reviews:
Comprehensive Guide
Cultural Insights
Authentic Experiences
Expert Planning Tips
Smart Budgeting
Outdated Information
Lack of Visuals
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9
Book Cover of Marco Morita - Japan Travel Guide: A Journey into the Heart of Japan with Practical Tips for Tokyo, Kyoto, and Other Cities. Exploring Culture, History, Traditions, Cuisine, and Festivals for an Memorable Experience
4.69
| 2024 | 189 Pages
  • #6 Best Seller in Kyoto Travel Guides on Amazon
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10
Book Cover of DK Travel - DK Tokyo (Travel Guide)

By DK Travel – Award-winning travel guides by real travelers and globe-trotting experts (you?) 

4.69
| 2023 | 208 Pages
Recommended for: 
Travel enthusiasts seeking in-depth exploration of Tokyo's culture, food, and attractions. Beginner to Intermediate readers.
You will:
  • Experience Tokyo's blend of tradition and modernity
  • Discover must-see sights and hidden gems
  • Navigate Tokyo with detailed maps and practical tips
  • Explore different parts of Tokyo with color-coded chapters
  • Learn about Japanese culture, cuisine, and local spots
Reviews:
Expert-led Insights
Detailed Breakdowns
Hand-drawn Illustrations
Practical Tips
Fully-illustrated Top Experiences Guide
Minimal Useful Information
Could Include More Photos
  • #20 Best Seller in Tokyo Travel Guides on Amazon
The Philadelphia InquirerThe best option… Color photos, maps, and diagrams bring the place to life
The Chicago TribuneKnown… for its four-color maps, photos and illustrations, the [DK] Eyewitness Guides are extremely user-friendly for travelers who want their information delivered in a concise, visual way
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