1 comments about Strange Big Moon: The Japan and India Journals, 1960-1964.

1. This book reminds me of Sei Shonagon, but the cast of characters is often well-known Beat writers. Kyger was married to Beat saint Gary Snyder at the time, but she is iconoclastic in regards to presenting him here. The arc of the book is their love story -- beginning with a shy and rather impressed Kyger and ending with a rather loud and irreverent Kyger. Early on she worships Snyder, but then he knocks her down and splits her head open on a wood table when she refuses to do the dishes. He is surly throughout the book, and given to bad moods, and kicks her at least twice.

   Kyger gets it all down.

   Beat saint Allen Ginsberg grabs his food at the communal dining hour and shoves his face full without waiting for others to be served. Orlovsky is shoving drugs in his face every moment that he can.

   This is a funny book that knocks out stereotypes left and right. In one or two sentences she undoes the career of Paul Blackburn, for instance. And all the while she is musing on the possibility of a female literature, and what it might consist of -- something for which she had no clear legacy in American but the Japanese writers of the Heian period such as Sei Shonagon appear to have given her the inspiration needed.

   This is a very good book for those who are tired of the Beats self-sanctification, and want a bit of humorous and unsparing insight into their world.

5 comments about Clueless In Tokyo: Explorer's Sketchbook Of Weird And Wonderful Things In Japan.

1. Yes, it says so in the reviews, but somehow I missed it. I thought it was a travel guide for the "clueless." I can see how it might be amusing to some Westerners though. Now I need to get a real guide book for our trip to Tokyo.... Got any recommendations?



2. Cute illustrations and some useful Japanese words make this an enjoyable book to read but I finished it in 10 minutes so don't expect anything more than an amusing introduction to some of the unusual things a visitor would encounter. When I go to Tokyo I will bring this with me for some light reading on the plane.
   It is a clever idea though and a good supplememt to some of the drier guidebooks out there.



3. Clueless in Tokyo is a delightful way to learn about a wide variety of common things found in Japanese Culture. Keeps you laughing while you learn.



4. When I was in Japan with my family, looking at relocation 6 or 7 years ago, one of my dad's co-workers suggested this book for all of the fun things around Tokyo. This book is the reason I have a garden-size Tanuki that I lugged from Japan to Ohio to New York. It's not going to teach you what to say to find the restroom, but it'll explain what you're seeing when you get there in a way that's...well...funny. I have a friend moving to Japan and this will be the first thing he gets from me!



5. I loved this book... It brought back so many memories of my time in Japan.

5 comments about Japan Travel Map (Globetrotter Travel Map).

1. We have almost worn the map out planning the trip -- can't imagine what will be left after the trip but we are confident we will find our way around Japan with this excellent set of maps. Thanks.



2. I bought this map sight unseen. I looked at maps in various bookstores and found them difficult to read and expensive. This turned out of be one of the most readable maps I've seen. The back has maps of various cities with very good detail (especially for Tokyo) on where hotels, points of interest, and train/metro stops are located.
   
   It has a durable cover, but it would be nice if the paper inside was more durable. It developed some tears after a few days of heavy use.



3. This map is thorough but a bit unwieldy. The visual emphasis on roads detracts from and makes it difficult to see the train routes. I would have preferred a map with only train routes and no roads at all.



4. I brought this to Japan and used it to navigate Tokyo. It's an excellent map for the Tokyo metropolotan area only. It doesn't contain detailed street level features, but mainly major streets, locations of train stations, districts, tourist sites. You still have to maintain a level of awareness of where you are on the map since Japan is very much a walking city, you have to be careful of where you walk at the street level since it will not show you each street name.
   
   It does have names of the major companies (Like Sony, etc). So you can also determine your location based on these major companies. Japan's a place that it can be fun to get a little lost, so I didn't mind not having the street level detail. But if I were to spend more money and buy a different map, I would like a book type map that has the street details.
   
   Also, This is a fold-out map. So it can be a little tedious to unfold. Some of the creases are already starting to become weak and tear. But if you want a cheap, small map that will not add much bulk to your purse, backpack or brief-case, this can be an easy addition to your travel.



5. The main reason I purchased this book was for the map of Japan. I could not find a reasonably priced map. I was not disappointed. The bonus was the city maps of Kyoto and Tokyo. This was a good reference for our travels in Japan. Compact size allowed me to take it on our day excursions. I would definitely buy another Globetrotter book.

2 comments about National Geographic Traveler: Japan (3rd Edition) (National Geographic Traveler).

1. I have been here in Japan for almost 9 years.
   First of all, the pictures and the fashion is out of date. The trends that the "ko-gal" is wearing was back in 2000 when it was "in". How come the meaning of the outfit isn't explained? Only says that "changing fashions reflect greater independence for women"?! Even though only 15% of the youngsters wore the outfit that is shown. Fashion is out of date, and why is the minor part of the fashion is explained as if its the most major trend. Lack of explaination is seen.
   Second, I was looking forward for the Hiroshima section, though only a page is written on it. People say it takes more than a day to travel around the area but from reading, theres actually nothing that had caught my eyes because all of the places are only the basics. There are a lot more I can point out however I won't because it is a waste of my time since it is not my obligation to do so. Maybe more observation is needed for a true updated book.



2. I think this book is a real good one! And I recommend it to everybody who's interested in history, culture, etc. I went to Tokyo and Kyoto with it, and I was able to understand many things, and to see a lot!
   There's great pictures, detailed map, and smart comments. The author really understand the country from the inside.
   Excellent book !

5 comments about New Japan Solo.

1. This book was very helpful in planning where to go and what to see when I went to Japan for two weeks. It has good recommendations for walking tours and cultural attractions and mentioned many areas that were overlooked by other guide books. Maps and directions were especially helpful. However, if you are looking for recommendations on lodgings and restaurants, I would get the Frommer's Japan book. Japan Solo lists hotels and inns, but gives no information about them other than location and price range. The Frommer book is also better organized for the first-time visitor so you can make decisions about your itinerary without being overwhelmed by too many choices.



2. I have purchased multiple Japan travel guides and this was the most specific and useful of the bunch. It is especially suited for those times when you venture out on your own. The maps are for the most part very accurate and quite helpful. It is low on pictures, etc., but the information it contained made it the book I turned to first.



3. Japan Solo became my only Japan travel guide starting with the 2nd edition. I've made more than 40 trips to Japan and used Japan Solo on every one. Because it emphasizes rail travel, this book and a Japan Rail pass make it easy to get around in a country that can otherwise be quite complicated. It's best coverage is around the large cities, but still does an adequate job for outlying areas. There's so much to see and do in Japan it's impossible to cram it all into one book. Japan Solo does a good job of getting the traveler to the more popular areas with ease. I would highly recommend it.



4. I'm staying in Japan / Tokyo for almost 1 year and have several travel guides. When I go on a trip, this is the guide which I take with me, and it helps to make the best out of each trip. The other guides, I can leave them at home. I went to Hokkaido (Akan NP, Sounkyo), Tohuku (Bandai-Kogen, Matsushima, Hirosaki, Towadako), Hirsohima, Miyajima, Himejii, Nara, Kyoto, Amanohashidate, Osaka,Nagoya, Takayama, Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Mt. Tanigawadake, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji, Izu Peninsula, Nikko and others. Almost all places highlightes in the "Japan Solo" Guide.
   The Book includes the Maps I needed, recommended transportion to the locations, accomodation in walking distance to train / bus stations, recommended itinerary and how to get to the spots.
   No other travel book, I have, is so helpful in guidance.
   For train schedules, I used the web side http://grace.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi
   I'm glad about this book because it essential helped me to make the most out of my Japan Visit.



5. I just ordered the 4th (1998) edition because we're visiting Japan this summer and my 1988 edition must be seriously dated. I've toured Japan extensively. For trip planning and practical guidance, especially if you're traveling by rail, this concise, well-organized book can't be beat. Not just the best travel book on Japan, the best travel book, period.

No comments about Dining Guide to Japan: Find the right restaurant, order the right dish, and pay the right price!.

3 comments about Basho's Narrow Road: Spring and Autumn Passages (Rock Spring Collection of Japanese Literature).

1. This is a very well translated and annotated edition of this great work.



2. This was the first time that I have read Basho's Narrow Road to Oku, snd I enjoyed it a great deal. Actually I read it twice this week. The first time I read through it I tried to read it without using the notes. I was lazy, so it came out that I really didn't enjoy what I was reading because I really didn't know what was going on throughout most of the book, so I read it again using the notes, and I got much more out of it. The annotations are on the left page while the actual text is on the right page, so there is no flipping to the back of the book every time that you need to look up something. There are endnotes that give more information about the haiku Basho writes. This is a very cool book, that gives the reader a glimpse at the literary world of japan back during the 17th century.



3. Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/06)
   
   Matsuo Basho (1644-94) was a famous Japanese haiku poet. In 1689, he took a 1,233 mile journey across Japan. His travels lasted five months. He was joined by his friend Kawai Sora. Basho wrote about this trip. He titled it, "Oku No Hosomichi," which translates to "Narrow Road to the Interior." This story is considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese literature. He took four years to write it and revise it.
   
   Basho started this trip when his house burned down. He had two goals. One goal was spiritual; it involved "poetic truth." The other goal was a practical one in which he would use his travels to become well known as a poet. Sora developed stomach problems and had to end his travels with Basho. Basho wrote a short piece for him. In the second part of this book, there is a translation of "A Farewell Gift to Sora."
   
   Basho funded his travels with donations from wealthy friends and students. He felt that there were three types of poets. The first type is confused noisemakers. The second type is wealthy people who desire to write instead of gossip. The third type is poets who work hard at writing true poetry. These poets write to "soothe their heart." Basho was the third type of poet.
   
   Hiroaki Sato includes annotations to go along with the writings. This adds richness to the story and helps explain more about the culture and what was happening at the time. I read the story first with the annotations to gain understanding of what I was reading; then I went back and reread the story by itself so that I could feel how it flowed. Without the annotations, I would have enjoyed Basho's story, but I would not have understood much of what was written. Sato also includes pages of notes and commentaries. This is a well researched piece. "Basho's Narrow Road" is a beautiful story about Basho's travels. In it he reflects on the beauty of the countryside and the spirit of the people that he encounters.
   
   I recommend "Basho's Narrow Road" to people that enjoy Japanese poetry, especially Haiku. It would also be a great book to use for a college literature class. I really enjoyed Basho's journey.

3 comments about Seeing Japan.

1. Wow, this is one beautiful book. All of the considerable beauty of the island nation of Japan has been sought out, carefully selected, and elegantly photographed to be even more stunning than it is in real life. There is quite a sweeping range of images here, from the lavender fields and Snow Festival of Hokkaido, to the ancient temples of Nara and Kyoto, all the way to the high technology of the ASIMO robot and the mag-lev Bullet Train. This is the kind of book that makes me really want to go to Japan, even though I live there.
   
   "Seeing Japan" is not an honest look at Japan, but more of a love-letter or a tourists brochure. There is not anything so much as hinting at a dark corner on this Isle of Wonders. All of the images are radiant and lovely, with the bad parts carefully edited out. There is no stray shot of the spider's web of powerlines that covers the country, obscuring almost all scenes of beauty. The temples contain no element of the loudspeakers that blare away history lessons and advertisements, or the hustle and bustle of the millions of people that are everywhere you go. Looking at this book, one would almost think that Japan was a serene, quiet country, which of course it is not.
   
   And that's OK. There are plenty of other books out there looking at the underbelly of Japan, so it is nice to have one that is pure frosting. Sometimes it is easy to forget what a spectacularly beautiful country Japan is. It takes a photographer's eye to bring out the very best, to showcase the colors and the textures that are so very abundant. It takes someone like Charles Whipple to write the text, a nostalgic guided tour through a country he obviously loves, to inspire one to hunt for this Japan, the Japan of my Dreams.



2. I almost fainted when I read in Zack Davisson's review, "There is no stray shot of the spider's web of powerlines that covers the country, obscuring almost all scenes of beauty." I thought I was the only person in the universe who had ever made that observation about the stark difference between the incredible natural beauty one sees on posters and in coffee-table books and the real Japan you find before your eyes and under your feet.
   
   (You know what observation Mr. Davisson forgot to make? The fact that there's no such thing as zoning: you'll find a Disneyland next to a farm next to a cemetery, without so much as a tree to separate the one from the other. Well, that, plus the ceaseless flow of "suburbs": on the 300-plus-mile bullet-train run from Tokyo to Kyoto, we could scarcely discern a single patch of green--although we did find 30-story skyscrapers out in the middle of nowhere [!]--plus one of the ugliest hamlets I've seen in my life, with a mountaintop sign proudly [and most ironically] proclaiming in kanji, "Chrysanthemum River Ward" [Kikkawa-Gu].)
   
   The memory that will always stick foremost in my consciousness is of the young guy who scuttled down the street slapping adhesive prostitutes' business cards (I guess they're "business labels," then) wherever they'd fit: on a lamppost; on a newspaper vending machine; on a postbox; even on a manhole cover (in Japan, those are quaint, sometimes bearing mosaic cartoons of firemen in samurai regalia).
   
   I have more books on Japan and Japanese and Japanese culture and Japanese mythology and Japanese history than I care to recount, but this title just really didn't add anything to it. Too, too bad.



3. This book was given as a gift to a person who will be traveling to Japan this year. He briefly scanned the book and seemed happy with it. I know after the holidays are over, he will totally go page by page. He is an artist and I know he will appreciate the photography throughout.

1 comments about Insight Guide Japan (Insight Guides Japan).

1. We just got back from Japan 3 days ago it was a wonderful two weeks. This book was a tremendous help. It has wonderful maps details of things to see on the maps. It even mentions train stations to help you get to where you are going. It goes thru the history of Japan as well a great section on the most popular places to see and eat at in Japan.
   
   It gives wonderful information like the Shinjuku Station is the busiest in Japan with over 3 million people passing thru it each and every day. We experienced that when we went to see the Shinjuku Gyoen. There were so many people everywhere and you felt packed like a sardine but it was exciting to be apart of that experience. They actually have people there that will shove people into the train so that they can get as many people on as possible. Its crazy!
   
   Every night we would sit in our room with this book and our train map and plan out what we were doing the next day. With this book and an english train map Japan was at our finger tips! I am actually purchasing the compliments to this book on Tokyo and the street map all made by insight for our return trip in June.

5 comments about Japan Ai: A Tall Girl's Adventures In Japan.

1. I picked up Japan Ai not really expecting much. I thought it'd be a cute read, but not something I'd really read twice, let alone buy. I was pleasantly surprised when I flipped through the pages. Steinberger's eye for details is amazing when it comes to describing her travels through Japan. Some people may be decieved by the seemingly simplistic artwork on the cover that the storytelling is just as simplistic, but they'd be amazed. The author's passion for travel, anime/manga, & hobbies comes through on every page. Fans of anime, manga, & cosplay will get into the journal because of the detailed information about those interests, but the average person will get drawn into the journal for the attention to details. It is easily accessible to most people. I would consider it a good guide to read before going overseas so one can plan out where to go, as well as knowing what to expect if you are a english speaking traveller.



2. I purchased this book because I had heard of it in a chat forum and was already familiar with the author/artist. Most books don't keep my interest long enough to get through the book in a day or two, but this was impossible to put down. Aimee's lovely sketches and playful comments kept me laughing at the turn of every page. Her useful information will fuel anyone dreaming of a trip to Japan into setting the date after reading this book. I am excited to visit the places she mentions and share in the wonderful experiences she wrote about.
   What a brilliantly lighthearted way to address the ups and downs of tourism.
   
   A+



3. Seriously love this book. It's a fun account of Ms. Major Steinberger's travels in Japan. Not only are you taken through her own experiences as a foreigner, but you're also given little cultural tidbits that are just as interesting. Plus, the illustrations are fabulous. I look forward to more from Aimee in the future.



4. Cute. Simple. A lovely guide book to one girl's adventures in Japan. So don't look for millions of pages of details. This is about her and her two friends and their journey to the VOLKS store in Tokyo by way of Kyoto. The cartoonist happens to also be six feet tall. It is a sketchbook and guide to many of Japan's little delights and, sometimes, tiny problems. It has a glossary and a appendix of websites of hotels, food places, stores and so on.



5. Have you ever felt like you stood out from the crowd? Like you were so strange and different, that people couldn't help but stare? Lately, Aimee's been getting that feeling all the time. Yes, she's a fangirl from California who has the ability to detect all things cute. She loves dolls, drawing, manga, and video games. In her spare time, Aimee and her friends like to cosplay, which is making costumes and dressing up as your favorite anime or video game character. But none of these things are the reason that Aimee stands out like a sore thumb. Aimee's 6' tall and, while that's not such a big deal in California, when you're visiting Japan, you might as well be Godzilla.
   
   When you're 6' tall and in Japan, you tower over almost everyone else. People might mistake you for a monster out of a Godzilla movie. You don't always fit in every bathroom stall. Losing your luggage on the flight is a big deal, because finding cloths your height is almost impossible. People are scared to share a hot springs pool with you. And dressing up as a geisha means you need two people and a chair just to put on a wig.
   
   Aimee's determined to have a good time while she's visiting Japan. It's her dream to see Kyoto, home of traditional Japanese culture, and Tokyo, a city that's all about the future. Along the way, she and her friends, A.J. and Judy, visit temples, watch musicals, get lost on the trains, cosplay in Harajuka, and adopt a doll. Japan Ai: A Tall Girl's Adventures in Japan is Aimee's sketchbook journal of the entire trip.