Frommer's Japan - (Complete Guide) 12th Edition by David McElhinney (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Frommer's books aren't written by committee, by A.I., or by travel writers who simply pop in briefly to a destination and then consider the job done. We use seasoned, locally-based journalists like David McElhinney, who lives in Japan, and has been published widely, covering the country's extraordinary culinary and arts scenes, including manga and anime; Japanese history and religious traditions; jazz bars; onsens; and more. He'll steer you away from the touristy and the inauthentic and show you the real heart of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Insider advice on the best travel experiences, like visiting Naoshima (Japan's Art Island); exploring Kyoto's Gion District; making a pilgrimage to Sensoji Temple; skiing in Honshu and Hokkaido; or riding the Skinkansen Bullet Train. Plus tips for navigating the country's lovely but less-traveled corners.

In this guide:

• Where to find the best ryokan to spend a night, the most beautiful kaiseki meal, the best shopping in Tokyo, and the loveliest Zen rock garden.
• Opinionated reviews. No bland descriptions and lukewarm recommendations. And NO "pay for play". No entity has paid to be in this guide--or any Frommer's guide. At Frommer's, we pride ourselves on decades of journalistic integrity.
• Exact prices listed for every establishment and activity--no other guides offer such detailed, candid reviews of hotels and restaurants. We include the very best, but also emphasize moderately priced choices for real people.
• Detailed itineraries for planning your trip to suit your schedule and interests (and help you avoid lines and crowds)
• Compelling cultural information so that you'll better understand the history, cuisine, and traditions of Japan
• Colorful photos and maps throughout the book, including a useful fold-out map.

About Frommer's: There's a reason Frommer's has been the most trusted name in travel for more than 65 years. Arthur Frommer created the best-selling guide series in 1957 to help American servicemen fulfill their dreams of travel in Europe, and since then, we have published thousands of titles, become a household name, and helped millions upon millions of people realize their own dreams of seeing our planet. Travel is easy with Frommer's.

Review Quotes

"Frommer's guides cut through influencer noise and AI-generated jargon to give genuine recommendations born from personal journeys and deep understanding. It's the trusted voice of someone who's truly been there, offering insights you won't find anywhere else." - Samantha Brown, Host of PBS' Places to Love

"Frommer's earnest prose, alternately lyrical and artless but always compulsively informative, convey a near-missionary zeal for travel and elevated "Frommer's" from the how-to genre to the kind of book that could change a person's worldview." - The New York Times

"Frommer's has now re-established themselves among the leading travel titles... These human-scale books, written and published by people who genuinely know and love their subject, are perfect for travel's post-pandemic recovery". - The Guardian

"One of the most recognized guidebook brands in the world, Frommer's influence on the traveling public over the past seven decades has been profound. More than 75 million guidebooks bearing the Frommer name have been sold since the mid-1950s." - Travel Weekly Magazine

"It has been decades since I got my start as a travel writer, writing for Frommer's during my years living in Florence, but in my eyes they remain an unwavering go-to source and last word for any of the countless destinations they cover today. I've consulted them more times than I can remember and have never once been disappointed. Am so happy to see that Pauline Frommer and her cracker-jack team continue the enduring legacy of her father Arthur Frommer." - Patricia Schultz, author "1000 Places to See Before You Die"

"If you are a budget-conscious traveler looking for value-for-money recommendations, which includes most family travelers, Frommer's guidebooks offer an excellent choice. Focusing on affordable travel, Frommer's offers practical advice, insider tips, and a reliable rating system. It assigns one to three stars to places and experiences worth your time and money.

Three factors that set Frommer's apart:

Budget-friendly recommendations: Frommer's guidebooks provide a wide range of budget-friendly recommendations. Expect information for affordable accommodations, dining options, and attractions. They also offer money-saving tips to help you stretch your travel budget.Practical information: Frommer's guidebooks are known for their practical and detailed information. They contain everything you need to plan your trip efficiently, from transportation to multiple sample itinerary options.Local insights: Frommer's guidebooks include insights and recommendations from local experts, helping you experience a destination like a local. This unique perspective will enhance your travel experience."

- Gather + Go Travel Magazine

About the Author

David McElhinney is an Irish freelance writer and journalist based in Tokyo and the UK. Fusing reporting and social commentary with extensive experience traveling throughout the country, David has published stories on travel, culture, society and politics, the environment, and sports in Japan.

He contributes regularly to Japan's longest-running English-language magazine, Tokyo Weekender, and its premier English-language newspaper, The Japan Times. His work has also been published in The Belfast Telegraph, The Independent, The Irish Independent, Al Jazeera, CNN Travel, Business Insider, Metropolis, INTOUCH Magazine, and Intrepid Times.