Lonely Planet Experience Japan

Lonely Planet Experience

by Ray Bartlett, Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet's Experience Japantravel guide reveals exciting new ways to explore this iconic country with insider tips from our local experts and handy planning tools so you can create your own unique trip.

Discover amazing local experiences from sampling delicious street food and Japan's finest sake in Takayama's old town, to seeing Kyoto's iconic Golden Pavilion temple, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Yaeyama Islands.

Build a one-of-a-kind trip with Lonely Planet's Experience Japan travel guide:

Our Experience guidebook format reveals exciting new ways to explore epic destinations and plan the ultimate 1-2 week adventure
Local experts share their love for the real Japan, offering fresh perspectives into the country's traditions, values, and modern trends
Trip planning tools help you create your own regional and activity-based itineraries so you can navigate Japan and connect experiences together with ease
In the know tips help you discover even more local experiences when visiting well-known sights and landmarks
Fun insights will pique your curiosity and take you to the heart of the place - understand the history and etiquette of Japan's onsen culture; dive into the mysterious world of Yokai and unearth the kappa creature; discover Japan's trendy karaoke scene - whether you're a good singer or not!
Insider scoop on the best festivals, secret hangouts, hidden locations, tantalising local food scene, and photo-worthy views
Handy seasonal planning calendar guides you on where to go, when to travel, and what to pack
QR codes unlock extra digital content, know-how, and travel secrets
Practical information on money, getting around, unique and local ways to stay, and responsible travel
Inspiring full-colour photography and maps including a pull out map of Japan
Covers: Tokyo; Central Honshu & the Japan Alps; Kyoto; Kansai; Hiroshima & Western Honshu; Kyushu; Hokkaido; Okinawa & the Southwest Islands; plus trips and escapes to Nikko; Mt Fuji; the Lakes; and Shikoku


Create your own dream travel itinerary and get away from the everyday with Lonely Planet's Experience Japan.

Genres: Travel, Japan, Nonfiction, Reference, Guidebook

258 pages, Paperback

Published November 19, 2024

Reviews

[Annie]

Recht hippe Aufmachung und bestimmt hilfreicher, wenn man gar keine Ahnung hat. Reich bebildert, aber ich finde die Infos für ein recht kompliziertes Land sehr sehr sparsam verteilt.
Praktische Hinweise entsprechen dem, was man überall bekommt und weniger. Wirklich schlimm finde ich die "Hilfen" bezüglich der Sprache bzw. die hier verwendete Lautschrift, die keine ist. Eher ne Fanatsieschrift und selbst ich, mit Japanischkenntnissen, würde die Worte anhand dessen, was hier steht, falsch aussprechen. Mal abgesehen davon, dass die 2 Seiten dazu recht dünn sind.

[Ben]

One Of The Best!

This was a departure of travel guides and travel books.
This was something unlike all the others!

It was filled with incredible information, great itiniearies, and key details of all areas of Japan - even Okinawa.

I was really taken by this book.

Also to note, the photos were really breathtaking too. Also the quick facts were everything I wanted to know!

A great planner, and I placed many things on my must-do list!

Would highly recommend

4.8/5

[Ela M]

This was a nice book to have on hand while prepping for my Tokyo/Kyoto trip. It also opened my eyes to how many other unique regions there are to explore in Japan, like the Southwest Islands and Hokkaido - places I might not have looked into otherwise. I do wish the “practicalities” section had been at the beginning; I completely missed it while planning since it’s tucked at the end. Also surprised there was no mention of Japan’s convenient/semi-mandatory door-to-door luggage delivery services!

Overall, it’s a helpful resource when you don’t feel like googling everything, but I’m not sure how much I actually used its recommendations once I got there…there’s just so much to do around you in Japan!

[Sophie Crane]

A good introduction to Japan, but perhaps some previous knowledge of the country would be required, before using the guide, as there is a lot in this little book. Nicely illustrated and written, and inspiring. Not enough detail, on its own, for a first time visitor, so use it together with another guide. This is more to inspire, rather than give full detailed information.

[Mrs C]

Loved the non-touristy approach to exploring Japan. Lots of information, updated with COVID protocols. Easy to browse because of the layout (not cluttered) with lots of colorful images. Plenty of details, tips, and websites for further lookup. Highly Recommended.

[Harrison Large ラージ • ハリソン]

Really good travel book for Japan. Definitely a jumping off point for planning a bigger holiday, as if you're planning a few weeks in one or two cities you'll want a more comprehensive guide to a region of Japan. This was short and sweet but full of all sorts of neat information.

[Kasey Clark]

Great reference for beginning to plan a trip to Japan.

[Russell Barton]

Full of great information and easy to read. Wish I’d read it before I booked my flights as I think I need longer in Japan!

[Claire]

Lots of good information here. I enjoyed the details about Yokai and Tea Ceremony.

[Jessica]

This gets an extra star because it had tanukis and kappas.

[Craig]

Concise but clear and overall v helpful.

[Catherine Woodman]

I have been working on planning a trip to Japan for over a year, some of it really in earnest, and it is a hard place to decide where to go. There are so many options, so many directions to go, and so many decisions to make. The history, culture, art, natural beauty, architecture, and food all have a bit of a siren call and it is clear that unless you are going to spend months scouring the islands you are going to have to narrow your scope. This is more of a hit the highlights book--with succinct descriptions of each place and what you might not want to miss when going there.

[Daniela]

A small travel guide full of great information. It’s a good for readers visiting Japan for the first time. It gives a general idea of what to find in the area.

[Mike]

Informative in preparation of a spring trip Japan…

[Nacho]

Releído para planear el viaje a Japón 2026.
Sin calificación.

[Whitney]

This was a nice overview of what the top sights are throughout Japan. It gave some nice recommendations, and some cultural insights as well.

3 Stars

[Robert Devine]

A somewhat helpful resource for idea planning my trip to Tokyo and Kyoto, but I did not actually use its recommendations once I got there. Next time, I will either skip the guidebook or buy the full-length version.

[Lisa]

Read the kindle version but was surprised that the places mentioned had no link or even information as far as address and phone. Interesting format but not one that I would choose over the other LP Japan publications.

[Lo]

Excellent resource before travelling, or just for a bit of education about Japan.

[Monika Kupis]

Honestly it is not bad, however I feel like a good YouTube research would’ve been just as helpful