4 comments about Kids' Trips in Tokyo: A Family Guide to One-Day Outings.

1. We got this book right before moving to Tokyo for a year with our two year old daughter. We haven't been steered wrong yet - each of the tours or trips in the book we have tried so far has been a delight for us and our daughter. If you have a kid in Tokyo, you *need* this book.

   Highlights so far have been the Kodomo no Kuni dairy farm/park in Kanagawa, the parks and streetcar line in Arakawa, the park and community center in Kichijoji.




2. The book was well organized, but if one's children are active boys between the ages of 5 and 11, then this book is probably not for you. Although there were a few exceptions, I found that the book was filled with museums, which may be interesting, but did not seem too exciting upon reading. I also ordered with this book, "Tokyo for Free" and "Little Adventures in Tokyo". Between these two books and a good guide book, everything in this book was covered with the advantage that there were things in these other books that seemed like alot more fun. Depends on your kids.



3. Last summer, I stayed with relatives who were living in Japan. We used this book a lot for sightseeing and it lists huge parks. There are really, really, beautiful gardens in Japan, and as a 16-year old guy I usually don't pay much attention to gardens. My cousin lived in Tokyo for several years and swears by this book. One recommendation: skip the raw fish.



4. I love this book! It is well organized, packed with fun ideas for kids of all ages. People are always asking me how I am able to find out about so many fun things to do in Tokyo. It's all in this book! If you will be living in Tokyo, you won't survive without it.

3 comments about Japan Bilingual Map.

1. Recently updated - old version was great, but new version just as good, if not better. One of the most comprehensive maps of Japan that is available at a good price.



2. Sorry it was not as detailed as I would have liked- only shows major roads and rails in the major cities----contained no detailed call out of Okinawa



3. The map is a real must for english speekers living or visition Japan. I spend a great deal of time in Japan, and I have never been able to find a bilingual Map in Japan

5 comments about Fruits.

1. Even if you aren't particularly interested in Japanese youth culture, this book is just a great example of fashion or humanity and the expansion of western culture into the eastern. The photographs are all high quality and just about every page also has a little questionaire filled out by each subject so you get to know a little more about them then their outrageous fashion sense.



2. Great book, made my girlfriend quite happy. She is very into Japanese street fashion and this book just captivated her, she looked through it about 20 times the day i gave it to her.



3. My high school art class, Costume Design, LOVE this book. It's fun to see teenagers in another culture taking western fashion and personalizing it. Every time I pick up the book I see something new. We've only had the book a couple of weeks and it is already dog-eared.



4. This is an interesting book. The author/photographer documents street fashion in the Harajuku district of Japan. Each page is a photo of an individual and a brief description of their outfit. If you are into this style of fashion, this is a book worth owning. The only short-coming is that the descriptions are printed in colored ink and sometimes get lost in the background color of the photographs.



5. I used to see this book all the time at the nearby music store, and one day I received it as a gift. I'm not going to suggest that everyone should dress like the people in this book, but I will say that I loved how they were able to put together something different and interesting, completely unlike what I've seen here in the U.S. Even the most outrageous outfits I've seen at clubs in LA can't hold a candle to what's in this book. Very creative stuff here.

5 comments about Hiking in Japan (Lonely Planet Walking Guides).

1. And that is descriptions of longer treks.
   There are a few described as 4-8 days long in this book, but when walking I found that that would have been at a snail's pace and the times given had to be halved. Even a quick look at the regional maps will confirm that all hikes described only cover relatively small areas.
   So those planning a longer trek through the backcountry of Japan might be disappointed (I was, anyway), but I understand we are just the minority...
   On the other hand, those looking for advice on a variety of short hikes in national parks or near the major cities will find lots of good ideas, and practical details that tend to be amazingly correct by guidebook standards!
   Don't worry too much about the book being a few years old - Japan is such a stable country that much of the information remains as valid as ever.



2. Another specialized book from the Lonely Planet team, this one catering to those who like to take exercise with their nature. Japan is heavily populated, and the megalopolis called Tokyo is easily the world's biggest, but nearly all the people live on the coastal plain of the Pacific coast, leaving the rest of this mountainous country open for the adventurous hiker.
   The book follows the usual Lonely Planet formula with the first pages devoted to the geography, history, climate, flora and fauna as well as social and religious areas of Japanese life.
   The second section deals with specific information for the hiker, including suggested itineraries, weather information, safety while hiking and, usefully, pre-departure planning. This last section tells us to have health insurance and know something about First Aid; good advice for those who haven't thought of such things.
   The hikes suggested in the book, and there are over a hundred, cover the length and breadth of Japan, are classified into five levels from easy to hard, and are divided up into day-long walks.
   The maps in the book show a marked improvement over earlier Lonely Planet publications, early editions of which often had no scale or compass point! "Hiking in Japan" on the other hand contains maps that are very difficult to obtain even in Japan itself.
   For those who speak no Japanese, there is the glossary of everyday language at the back of the book, and, perhaps even more essential, a transliteration of the Japanese character place-names into the roman alphabet.
   Recommended.



3. This is a really good guide to the mountains of Japan, both informative and inspirational. All too often, walking guides focus on the easiest routes to tick off an artificial list of peaks (just about every Japanese-language guide fits this description), but instead the authors have produced a wide range of easy to fairly challenging walks in the most attractive settings around the country which should suit just about everyone. Ok, the suggested itineraries will not stretch the fittest (especially for hut-dwellers who are not carrying tents) but there is plenty of info to enable you to modify the plans to suit yourselves. For the routes that we have followed precisely, we have found the information to be very accurate and up-to-date, and they have all been memorable walks.

   This book has significantly enhanced our time in Japan and I highly recommend it to anyone who is itching to get out of the cities but doesn't quite know where to go.




4. Only a few pictures, and the maps are very basic. You're really going to need to buy hiking maps at any book store once you arrive in Japan (maps aren't carried in most outdoors stores). I could wish for a few more stories or ratings on which mountains are the best and must be hiked, but the book is useful.



5. I have to comment on this book because it's not reliable anymore.
   
   I enjoyed the array of hikes that the editors chose, but it looks like they just translated some out of date Japanese books. Some of the trails in this book have been long closed and you will find yourself confused at night in the mountains if you attempt them. For example, the suggested descent from Aka-dake hasn't been maintained since an earthquake at least five years ago.
   
   On the other hand, the book covers a fantastic variety of paths and makes it easy to find what you want. If you want to try a hike in this book, make certain you get current info on the state of the path as well as lodging along the way. This means call yourself, and ask specific questions.
   
   But really, you're better off just getting a good Japanese book.

5 comments about What's What in Japanese Restaurants: A Guide to Ordering, Eating, and Enjoying (Origami Classroom).

1. If you are going on a trip to Japan, take "What's What in Japanese Restaurants" with you. It is a handy, pocket-sized reference book that will save you many a stomach-ache and hopefully let you discover many a good taste. Not all strange Japanese food is to be feared!

   The guide outlines many of the main Japanese foods, a few ways to eat them and some simple restaurant etiquette. The food are named in both English and Japanese, with the Japanese written in Katakana and Hiragana. This is important, as most Japanese menus will not contain an English translation.

   The books small size is most convenient, as luggage space can be at a premium. In the end, you will be glad you brought this book along.




2. This book is more suited to those on a culinary tour of Japan, or those looking to taste the entire culture. I went on a short business trip, and ordinary guidebooks seemed to have enough information for survivial (for me at least).

   If you're the sort of person who likes to try everything, this book may be for you. For a one week trip, I did not have time to take advantage of all of the information.




3. I found the content of this book very interesting. It's a complete guide to the different restaurants and other eating spots you might find in Japan. The familiar sushi, tempura and teppanyaki are just a few of them. Also there is information on the big regional differences and on ethnic cuisine (Korean minority).
   But, unlike Japanese dishes, the visual aspect of this book is poor. Either out of cost effectiveness or to scale it down to pocket size. Type is small and any Japanese character with more than 5 strokes is absolutely illegable.
   The different kinds of counting are not explained, but phrases as 'please, turn up/down the flame' and 'please turn off the burner' are translated at the end of almost every chapter.
   Worst of all, the text refers often to a chart of the Japanese syllables inside front and back cover. But it simply is not there!
   It looks like a inexpencive reprint, that makes me wanting the original version. Less content and bigger type would work wonders for this unique book.



4. This book seemed like an excellent book when I read it before going to Japan. However, once I was there, all of the food sections were pretty much useless. None of the listings were detailed enough and almost all of the restaurants had menus completely unique and different from the one's listed in the book.
   
   However, the book's main redeeming value is page 32/33 and 42/43 that gives very useful phrases to use in restaurants. Otherwise you can pretty much do without the book. If you don't read kanji, you're pretty much on your own and will probably end up pointing to pictures and saying "I want that." If you read kanji, you'll be able to guess over 50% of what's on the menu.



5. This is the book to give to someone who is going to visit Japan for the first time.

5 comments about Frommer's Tokyo (Frommer's Complete).

1. Though I don't have my copy in front of me to verify, I seem to recall that the book actually lists the Kanji for the names of hard to find restaurants in the back section, making it easy to find restaurants without English names. I just thought I'd throw that out there so nobody was misled by the other review.

   I do agree that there is a decided lack of maps. I was able to find my way through the city but not without taking a few wrong turns. Still, I liked asking for directions. It will give you a chance to practice your Japanese.

   Frommer's: Japan IS just as comprehensive as Frommer's: Tokyo though. There's really no need to buy this book unless you're going to be spending the entirety of your trip in the capital. If you are going to Japan for anything other than business, please go someplace like Kyoto or even just a quick trip to Hakone. You won't regret it.




2. I got the 7th edition of this book and I thought it was great! I lived in Tokyo for over 7 months and I used the book all the time to get around! I would map out my destination on the subway map and follow it all the way there and back! The directions that I got for each walking tour were great...minus one little spot, the Yanaka walking tour was nice until the last stop. But other than that I thought the directions were spot on giving which exit to leave the subway and giving prices for everything. The book is kind of thick for daytime travel but all the info was great. One of the bars that I frequented, the owner saw I had pulled out the book told me of the woman who came in to verify the info. I loved it and am so glad I got it! I'm sure to take it back with me when I go back in a few months.



3. Just went to Tokyo and took this book with me. The few places they reccommend that I went to were just ok. I suggest getting a book for all of Japan as this book only covers Tokyo and there were several places or Kui in "Tokyo" that I went to that weren't even covered in the book, that were very interesting!
   
   Japan is a great place to Visit!!



4. Not a bad read. If you want some guidlines as to where to go and what to do it's a good start. I love the fact that it not only has busness names but phone numbers as well! The directions arn't that good aparently even the Japanese people have a hard time finding their way around Tokyo. It also has some Japanese words that you can learn in the back of the book. For example, Hi what's your name? and What time is it? and do you have any rooms availible? I have personally never been to Japan but with this book I think I will be more confadent. One more note, Buy the full Frommer's Japan book not the Tokyo edition. I Have both of them and the full Japan edition has the same info and tons more than the simple little Tokyo edition.



5. My daughter and I used the 9th Edition of Frommer's Tokyo on our recent trip to Japan. We found it to be well written, easy to use with very down to earth suggestions. Since neither of us had any prior knowledge of Tokyo, it was invaluable. We had a most enjoyable week, but we wouldn't have had so many wonderful experiences without this guide.

2 comments about A Practical Guide to Living in Japan: Everything You Need to Know to Successfully Settle In.

1. A Practical Guide To Living In Japan: Everything You Need To Know To Successfully Settle In by travel expert Jarrell D. Sieff is a definitive, "user friendly" guide for students, business travelers, and vacationers arriving in Japan for their studies, business operations, or sight-seeing. A Practical Guide To Living In Japan covers immigration matters, finding a place to stay, money and banking, studying the Japanese language, getting around Japanese cities and countryside, health and insurance, as well as Japanese customs and social etiquette. A Practical Guide To Living In Japan is a highly recommended resource that will save the traveler, businessman or student an immeasurably valuable amount of time, expense, anxiety, confusion, and hassle.



2. I originally borrowed a copy from the library, and many other books about working in Japan. This is the most useful book out of all of them. The information is quite recent(2002), and it has a load of contact details in the back, airlines, embassy addresses and much more. It also contains useful pictures, and good tips to surviving in Japan. Definitely a must have. Suitable for anyone looking to move or live in Japan.

4 comments about Living Abroad in Japan.

1. An interesting enough book, that it's a great read not only for to-be-visitors of Japan, but for Japanese readers as well. Unlike other travel books which cover only the sightseeing aspect of Japan putting weight on traditional Japanese culture, this book is well balanced in describing everyday life, the real Japan today, The Japanese mind (important in getting acquainted with Japan), as well as the tradition. The book is also good at pointing out the interesting mixture of the past and present (for example, kimono-clad woman talking on a cell-phone). The facts and advice are all practical, up to date and accurate based on the author's actual experience living in Japan. As a Japanese citizen, I recommend reading this book whether you plan to visit/live in Japan or not, to find out what Japan is all about now. (which is not just Geisha, samurai, Toyota and Sony. :-))



2. I have lived 27 years as an American in Japan and I find Ruthy Kanagy's book to be accurate and complete. This book covers a wide breadth of important material succinctly without even one boring or pedantic line in the whole book. It contains interesting informatation ranging from Japanese history and geography to how to open a bank account or how to make conversation with a Japanese. It is written eloquently and intelligently with insight and information to benefit the experienced traveler or the first time traveler to Japan. The original photographs and descriptions are refreshingly fair and true to the experience of living in Japan today. A must read for anyone planning a trip to Japan.



3. Ruthy Kanagy has produced a comprehensive and useful guide for those thinking of taking the plunge across the Pacific and moving to Japan. Living Abroad in Japan joins many other well-done titles put out by the publishers Living Abroad In. Kanagy, herself born and raised in Tokyo, approaches her subject as only an insider could. The book assumes the reader knows nothing but does not speak down to her-and is well written and full of detail. It is neatly broken into chapters on Japan (history, government, economy, people, culture), daily life (moving, language, health, employment, finance, communications, travel, and housing), and "prime living locations" (Tokyo, Hokkaido, Kansai, Nagano, and Hiroshima).
   The back of the book too is filled with useful indices: contacts, a phrasebook, suggested reading/films, clothing sizes, and an index. Having lived in Japan-Tokyo and Kyoto-for 15 years, I thought this would be a guide for someone just off the boat (i.e., not for me). It most certainly is for those new to or thinking of coming to Japan; however, it is much more than that. Even for the long-term resident of Japan, this is an invaluable guide.



4. Kanagy's "Living Abroad in Japan" covers just about everything you need to know to do just that and is generally geared towards those interested in staying for a longer period than just a week's vacation.
   
   Kanagy covers a brief introduction to the country before laying out such topics as VISA explanations, taxes, finding a place to live, transportation, and what to expect in daily life. It also includes several sections devoted to specific regions and an extensive list of contact information for everything from real estate offices to healthcare providers to internet service providers.
   
   While the book was published in 2004, much of the information is still accurate and applicable. For example, Kanagy uses 1 dollar = 110 yen to estimate costs and, as of writing this review, her estimate is not far from the present 1:120.

2 comments about Japan.

1. This is another fine offering from the good people at Nazraeli... Makers of EXTRAORDINARILY beautiful limited edition art books, and this one is NO exception.
   
   Housed in a gorgeous black silk covered folding case, the red silk cloth cover of the book just visually stuns when the covers (three panels) are opened. The cover panels wrap around the book and fasten shut with ivory-colored japanese bookbinding clasps.
   
   A beautiful gift!
   
   The photos are stunning, printed with utmost care at exact size with light spot-varnishing on the images so that they pop off of the paper. The subject matter here is landscapes in Japan, sometimes very minimal and always meditative.
   
   Get it while you can. Give it as a gift. Buy it for yourself and just look at it every few days... You will love it.



2. Artist Book and Exhibition Monograph. Collection of photographs on subject. Possibly the photographer's single most beautiful book. The true first. Precedes all other editions. One of the most exquisite productions ever made by Michael Kenna, Chris Pichler, and Nazraeli Press: Oversize-volume format. A large book in square shape. Red silk cloth boards wrapped in handsome black silk folding slipcase in the Japanese style, with white toggles at the ends. Photographs by Michael Kenna. Text in Japanese and English by Kotaro Iizawa. Printed in Tokyo, Japan to the very highest standards. Without DJ, as issued. Published on the occasion of a series of exhibitions in the United States and Japan. "Michael Kenna's photographs have long inspired words such as 'mysterious', 'elegant' and 'hauntingly beautiful', adjectives that likewise describe the Japanese landscape. These photographs are the result of an ideal pairing of artist and subject. Kenna has had a large following in Japan ever since his first exhibition there in 1987. His many subsequent exhibitions and publications in Japan have provided him with ample opportunities to visit and photograph. During the past several years, as this project began to take shape, Kenna's trips became more frequent and intense. The resulting images are stunning" (Publisher's blurb). "He has been reflective when others have been militant, romantic when others have been skeptical. Such isolation can starve all but the most independent of talents, but for these it can provide a sanctuary where visions can develop undisturbed. Kenna is one of these" (The Times of London). Michael Kenna's best book thus far. © 2006, ModernRare.com

5 comments about Grass Sandals : The Travels of Basho.

1. Grass Sandals is a great book about friendship and poems. The main character's name is Basho. Basho liked to have tea on his porch every morning under his basho tree. Basho lives in Edo. Basho likes to travel around his country. When Basho is traveling he gets many gifts from his friends. Basho is great for his blue grass sandals (from his friend) and for haikus. This story took place 300 years ago in Japan.
   
   I really liked this book because of its illustrations and of how well it is written. I think that this book would be good for people who like books from other countries. I also think parents would enjoy this story too!



2. In the story Grass Sandals, there is a Japanese man named after a banana tree called basho. Basho loved nature so much that he wrote about it as a haiku poet. He lived in his small house in Edo surrounded by the morning glories in the 1600's. But one day, Basho decides he wants to travel because he is restless back at his home in Edo. Before his trip, Basho's friends give him supplies for his trip including grass sandals. On the trip he writes about what he sees, meets friends, and discovers different places in this adventurous book!
   
   I enjoyed this book very much because I loved all the places he traveled and all the creative poems he wrote. I recommend this book for all afes. It is very well written!



3. I read the book Grass Sandals. The main character is Basho. In the story, Basho travels all over Japan. He lives in Edo. The story takes place in the 1600's. Basho wrote poems about nature and by listening and looking at his surroundings.
   
   It liked this book because it made me feel like I was there with Basho.



4. This picture book presents Basho's travels, with a curious focus on the Japanese characters for various words in his haiku; I wished there had been more emphasis on the haiku themselves. But the illustrations are enchanting and evocative, deep and glowing, with a whimsical touch. While this book doesn't have the deep understanding of haiku found in Cool Melons - Turn To Frogs!: The Life And Poems Of Issa, it would be a charming supplemental text for grade school units on haiku, poetry, biography, and historical Japan.



5. I am a huge haiku fan, and it was that interest that lead me to this little book. Grass Sandals: The Travels of Basho offers a beautiful, multi-sensory introduction to Japanese literature and ancient Japanese culture. Indeed the peaceful, flowing artwork looks like fine paintings rather than images in a children's story, and thick, full pages speak for the book's quality.
   
   Basho's journey is one of peace, curiosity, and observation. Along the way, lessons of simplicity, keen observation, genuine appreciation for the natural world, gratitude, promises, and respect are subtly revealed.
   
   In addition to the story (told in prose) and well-placed haiku samples, certain pages include a unique Japanese character, pronunciation, and translation that highlights an event or observation from that part of the tale. Thus, with adult guidance, a child can learn to look into the illustrations for specific details, learn to read the text of the story and the haiku, learn to trace a Japanese character with his / her finger, and learn to speak a Japanese word. Engaged children may take their knowledge to the next level by attempting to write the characters or their own haiku.
   
   This book definitely provides an appreciation for Japan, and it is worth reading, sharing, and discussing.
   
   My favorite haiku sample from the text is this one:
   
   a tiny pink crab
   tickling me climbs up my leg
   from glistening sea