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    DK Japan
    DK Japan
    DK Japan
    Ebook804 pages5 hours

    DK Japan

    By DK Travel

    4/5

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    Whether you want to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto, speed through the countryside aboard a shinkansen, or shop til you drop in futuristic Shibuya, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all Japan has to offer. Japan is a land of contrast – think tranquil zen gardens and peaceful pagodas, neon-lit cities and robot restaurants.

    Cities might be the first things that spring to mind when you think of Japan, but the countryside is just as epic. There’s the iconic Mount Fuji, bubbling hot springs, unspoiled beaches and adrenaline-packed ski resorts. And if that wasn’t enough to entice you to visit, there’s the food – unctuous noodles, delicate sushi and warming hotpots.

    Our updated guide brings Japan to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights, trusted travel advice, detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights, photographs on practically every page, and our hand-drawn illustrations which place you inside the country's iconic buildings and neighborhoods. DK Eyewitness Japan is your ticket to the trip of a lifetime.

    Inside DK Eyewitness Japan you will find:

    - A fully-illustrated top experiences guide:     our expert pick of Japan’s must-sees and hidden gems
    - Accessible itineraries to make the most out of each and every day
    - Expert advice: honest recommendations for getting around safely, when to visit each sight, what to do before you visit, and how to save time and money
    - Color-coded chapters to every part of from Tokyo to Kyoto City, Hokkaido to Okinawa
    - Practical tips: the best places to eat, drink, shop and stay
    - Detailed maps and walks to help you navigate the region country easily and confidently
    - Covers: Central Tokyo, Northern Tokyo, Western Tokyo, Farther Afield, Central Honshu
    Kyoto City, Western Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa, Northern Honshu, Hokkaido

    Only visiting Tokyo? Try our DK Eyewitness Tokyo.

    About DK Eyewitness:

    At DK Eyewitness, we believe in the power of discovery. We make it easy for you to explore your dream destinations. DK Eyewitness travel guides have been helping travelers to make the most of their breaks since 1993. Filled with expert advice, striking photography and detailed illustrations, our highly visual DK Eyewitness guides will get you closer to your next adventure. We publish guides to more than 200 destinations, from pocket-sized city guides to comprehensive country guides. Named Top Guidebook Series at the 2020 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, we know that wherever you go next, your DK Eyewitness travel guides are the perfect companion.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherDK Travel
    Release dateNov 5, 2024
    ISBN9780593960608
    DK Japan

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    Reviews for DK Japan

    4/5

    31 ratings2 reviews

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    • 4/5
      I am an unequivocal fan of the DK travel series. While my favorites are the Top 10 books, all DK books have such fabulous layouts, photographs, and presentation of information that they are invaluable. (Also, the Top 10 books only cover certain cities in prominent countries, so chances are good you will need other travel guides to cover those areas that aren't featured.) This guide is on the entire country of Japan, and I read it cover to cover.

      The guide begins with some broad overviews of Japan, covering the country's history, art, culture, and religion. It then breaks into sections that focus on each of the main regions: a large Tokyo section, Central Honshu, Kyoto City, Western Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa, Northern Honshu, and Hokkaido. Within those sections, the guide provides a map of the area, with notable sights marked out on the map. The following pages then offer descriptions of the noted sites, some brief, some longer. Tokyo, as the main destination, receives a much larger section, and is itself broken down into different regions, with each region given its own map.

      After the section that focuses on attraction sites, the guide moves into a new unit called "Traveler's Needs", which covers food, hotels, shopping, and special attractions like hot springs and amusement parks. Just as the prior section began with an overview of Japanese culture and history, this section also contains several broad overviews that frame the advice on where to eat, stay, and shop. Of particular help was the careful break down of the kinds of Japanese restaurants and the types of Japanese food sold at each, and the various sorts of accommodations available, from ryokan to capsule hotels. These descriptions are followed with extensive lists, again sorted by region. The book concludes with some travel tips, such as what to do in health emergencies and how to handle currency.

      Fortunately, all of this information is presented in a very attractive package. The book uses plenty of maps, cross sections, and photographs to help readers clearly visualize what they are reading about. Also, each section is broken into small chunks of information, which makes it easier to process and organize. As always, the production values in a DK book are top of the line.

      The most important question, of course, is how does a travel book work when it comes to actual travel. In this case, it worked very well. I read the book prior to our two week trip to Japan, and I found it a very valuable resource as I planned, prepared, and booked various hotels and tours. Furthermore, reading the extra materials, such as the historical overview and the explanation of food and restaurants, familiarized me with a lot of cultural information concerning Japan. It also made me even more excited for the trip! I highly recommend this travel guide to anyone looking for a book that covers the entire country of Japan. It is thorough, well organized, and easy to read.
    • 5/5
      Superb, Escellent, Wonderful, Brilliant.... These are the words how I describe this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Japan. Not just for the people who are planning to visit Japan, even a Japanese can lean so much from this book (after all, one life is not long enough to travel thru this historical land!)

    Book preview

    DK Japan - DK Travel

    DK

    JAPAN

    Inspire / Plan / Discover / Experience

    Contents

    g Contents

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    g Contents

    price guide

    Throughout the guide the following price categories have been applied:

     On a budget  Mid-range  Splurge

    g Contents

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    DISCOVER JAPAN

    alt image

    t The glowing lights of Nagasaki

    g Discover Japan g Contents

    Welcome to

    Japan

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    t Kiyomizu-dera Temple, surrounded by fall foliage.

    Konnichiwa from one of the most fascinating countries on earth. Japan is a land of contrasts – of tranquil Zen gardens and steaming onsen, teeming crowds and sleek bullet trains – and it has charmed visitors for centuries because of it. Whatever your dream trip to Japan includes, this DK travel guide is the perfect companion.

    alt imagealt imagealt image

    Formed of thousands of scattered islands, Japan’s impossibly varied landscape stretches 1,900 miles (3,000 km) from the edge of Siberia in the north to tropical Okinawa in the south. In between, you’ll discover the snow-covered slopes of Hokkaido, majestic Mount Fuji, Kyoto’s otherworldly Arashiyama bamboo grove, and much more besides. This is a land of eternal natural beauty, as well as the yearly flowering and falling of ethereal cherry blossoms.

    Japanese efficiency is no myth – the country’s thronging cities may be some of the most densely populated on the planet, but they really do run like clockwork. Tokyo, the capital, where it sometimes feels like the only constant is change, is a science-fiction movie brought to life, with its cosplaying locals, cat-filled cafés, and psychedelic neon street scenes. To the west, the ancient capital of Kyoto – the yin to Tokyo’s yang – with its gilded shrines and graceful geisha, is a heritage wonderland, and – whisper it – a cosmopolitan city. And don’t forget Osaka, where proud locals, a chaotic downtown and a vibrant food scene meet under the enormous shadow of the city’s giant castle.

    Even with its unparalleled rail networks, Japan can still overwhelm with the sheer number of unmissable sites on offer. We’ve broken the country down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge and colorful, comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether you’re staying for a few days, weeks or longer, this DK travel guide will ensure that you see the very best Japan has to offer. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Japan.

    1 A statue of the Buddha at Eikan-do Temple, Kyoto.

    2 Neon lights of Tokyo’s frenetic Akihabara.

    3 A tasty plate of sushi.

    g Discover Japan g Contents

    Reasons To Love

    Japan

    Picnicking under seasonal cherry blossom. Exploring centuries-old traditions. Speeding through awe-inspiring countryside aboard a bullet train. There are so many reasons to love Japan. Here are a few of our favorites.

    1 Fast Trains

    006_reasons_to_love_Eifel_Tower

    t When Japan launched the shinkansen (bullet train) in 1964, they left the rest of the world behind. Silently speeding at 200 mph (320 km/h), you’ll feel as if you’re in the future.

    Discover Reasons to Love Japan

    2 Staying in a Ryokan

    006_reasons_to_love_Eifel_Tower

    t These guesthouses provide the ultimate Japanese experience. Don a yukata (casual kimono), indulge in a communal bath, and savor a home-cooked meal, washed down with some sake.

    Discover Reasons to Love Japan

    3 Celebrating Otaku

    alt image

    t Once an offensive term for a superfan, more and more people are calling themselves otaku. Explore the world of manga, anime, and cosplay in Tokyo’s Akihabara.

    Discover Reasons to Love Japan

    4 RIOTOUS FESTIVALS

    006_reasons_to_love_Eifel_Tower

    t Don’t let its introvert reputation fool you – Japan hosts some raucous celebrations. Expect loin-cloth-clad revelers, (see May) parades of dancers, and tantalizing scents drifting from stalls.

    Discover Reasons to Love Japan

    5 FANTASTICAL CASTLES

    006_reasons_to_love_Eifel_Tower

    t From the imposing fortresses of the Warring States period, such as Kumamoto Castle, to Himeji-jo’s graceful donjon, Japan’s castles seem straight out of a fairy tale.

    Discover Reasons to Love Japan

    6 SIPPING SAKE

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    t Made from a large-grain rice and koji (similar to see For Goodness Sake yeast), sake gets its flavor from its unique fermentation process. Warm in winter, or chilled in summer, it’s the perfect thirst quencher.

    Discover Reasons to Love Japan

    7 HISTORIC KYOTO

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    t With 1,600 Buddhist temples and more UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites than any other city on earth, majestic Kyoto is an absolute must for any culture vulture.

    Discover Reasons to Love Japan

    8 CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON

    006_reasons_to_love_Eifel_Tower

    t Each spring, as the cherry blossom front sweeps northward, the Japanese population indulges in one of its all-time favorite pastimes: hanami – viewing the blossoms.

    Discover Reasons to Love Japan

    9 ZEN GARDENS

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    t Some think that the rocks represent islands, while others believe that they symbolize emotional obstacles. Search for your own meaning in these peaceful gardens.

    Discover Reasons to Love Japan

    10 RELAXING IN AN ONSEN

    006_reasons_to_love_Eifel_Tower

    t As one of the most active volcanic regions in the world, Japan is full of natural mineral hot springs known as onsen. (see Test the Waters) Soak away your troubles in one of these pools.

    Discover Reasons to Love Japan

    11 SAVORING SUSHI

    006_reasons_to_love_Eifel_Tower

    t You’ll find this dish on the menu at swanky Michelin-starred restaurants and budget neighborhood haunts. Get your chopsticks at the ready to sample sushi at its best.

    Discover Reasons to Love Japan

    12 KARAOKE NIGHTS

    006_reasons_to_love_Eifel_Tower

    t Everyone from school children to suit-clad office workers belt out tunes in soundproof booths. Grab your earplugs, have your song at the ready, and enjoy the ultimate singalong.

    gDiscover Japan gContents

    Explore

    Japan

    This guide divides Japan into nine color-coded sightseeing areas, as shown on this map. Find out more about each area on the following pages.

    n Double-tap image to read the labels

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

    Tokyo

    Japan’s capital may be rooted in the past but it is also a vision from the future. Traditional low-slung houses sit beside sleek skyscrapers, and historic Ueno Park is a short walk away from frenetic, neon-lit Akihabara. This city really comes alive after dark, when office workers and university students alike congregate in bars, and the glowing lanterns outside cozy, hole-in-the-wall izakaya (pubs) tempt passersby. On top of this, Tokyo’s restaurants have garnered more Michelin stars than any other city in the world, but there are also many cheap eats to sniff out here.

    Best for That world-famous relentless buzz

    Home to Ginza, Ueno Park, and more

    Experience Eclectic art at Roppongi’s famed art triangle

    Go To: Tokyo i

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

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    t The frenetic Shibuya Crossing

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

    Central Honshu

    Although it is home to the charming cities of Kamakura and Kanazawa, Central Honshu is best known for its breathtaking scenery. This stunning region, where you’ll find both Mount Fuji and the sprawling Japanese Alps, is the perfect destination for those who yearn to explore the great outdoors. Despite being well connected, parts of Central Honshu are still remote enough to have kept their traditional rural lifestyles, buildings, and festivals, making it seem far away from Tokyo.

    Best for Getting lost in nature

    Home to Yokohama, Kamakura, Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes, Takayama, Kanazawa

    Experience Watching snow monkeys relax in the hot pools outside of Nagano

    Go To: Central Honshu i

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

    alt image

    t Bathing macaques in Jigokudani Monkey Park, near Nagano

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

    Kyoto City

    To truly understand Japan, you must spend time in its old imperial capital, where scores of the country’s famous monuments are preserved within a lively modern city. Kyoto is home to graceful parasol-carrying geisha, beguiling temples and towering bamboo groves. Life here is still largely tied to nature’s rhythms. Kyoryori, Kyoto’s celebrated cuisine, for example, makes much of seasonality, and the city’s exquisite gardens go through striking transitions over the year, from fall’s bright-red maple leaves to spring’s blush-pink cherry blossoms.

    Best for Traditional temples

    Home to Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

    Experience A tour of the wooden-clad district of Gion

    Go To: Kyoto City i

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

    alt image

    t A street leading towards Gion’s Yasaka Shrine

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

    Western Honshu

    With its unique dialect, rough-and-tumble streets, and superlative foodie scene, Osaka is one of Japan’s unmissable cities. Away from Osaka, Western Honshu has many other allures, including heavenly Himeji-jo Castle and thought-provoking Hiroshima, as well as some of the country’s most stunning scenery. The Otorii gate of Miyajima, which seems to float above the water, is a must-see for any visitor. Nara combines a fine collection of UNESCO-designated shrines and temples, along with Mount Yoshino – the best place to walk beneath pink blossoms during sakura season.

    Best for Cherry blossom

    Home to Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji-jo Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima Island, and Horyu-ji Temple

    Experience Watching the diving women searching for pearls in the water surrounding the Mikimoto Pearl Island

    Go To: Western Honshu i

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

    alt image

    t A neon-lined street leading to Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

    Shikoku

    Isolated for centuries, Shikoku still feels like a backwater, and is all the more charming for it. The least explored of the Japanese islands, it offers a glimpse of the country as it used to be. The charming city Matsuyama, with its imposing castle, trams and ancient hot springs, is a great base from which to explore the island, while the more adventurous might attempt to master the famous 745-mile- (1,200-km-) long 88 Temple Pilgrimage.

    Best for Rural charm

    Home to Benesse Art Site Naoshima

    Experience Walking the historic 88-Temple Pilgrimage, which white-robed pilgrims believe atones for the worst transgressions

    Go To: Shikoku i

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

    alt image

    t A boat gliding on one of Ritsurin Garden’s beautiful ponds, Takamatsu

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

    Kyushu

    Active volcanoes, rolling grasslands, bubbling hot springs, and outgoing locals combine to give this island a very different feel to the rest of the archipelago. City-wise, bustling Fukuoka and beautiful Nagasaki are two of Japan’s most cosmopolitan metropolises, showcasing Kyushu’s historic role as Japan’s gateway to the rest of the world. The menu on the island reflects the cultural diversity: unctuous Hakata ramen or crisp lotus roots satisfy hungry locals, while shochu, a vodka-like spirit made from sweet potatoes, leaves a fiery taste.

    Best for Steaming onsen

    Home to Fukuoka, Nagasaki

    Experience A soak in the outdoor hot springs of Sakurajima, an active volcano

    Go To: Kyushu i

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

    alt image

    t Steam spouting from Beppu’s hot springs

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

    Okinawa

    Approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 km) south of Tokyo lies a tropical paradise. Okinawa’s pristine beaches, spectacular diving, and slower pace of life have made it the favorite Japanese vacation destination. Although it could be easy to just flop on the sand here, the islands reward a deeper look. Naha, the main city, is a heady mix of refined civilization and neon glitz. Here, traditional red-tiled Okinawan houses, topped with ceramic shisa lions, stand alongside pulsating karaoke bars. Outside the city, you’ll find poignant war memorials, sacred groves, and brimming craft stores to explore.

    Best for Rest and relaxation

    Home to Beautiful beaches

    Experience Awamori, the local tipple made by distilling fragrant rice into a powerful liquor

    Go To: Okinawa i

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

    alt image

    t A road snaking along Okinawa’s beach-fringed coastline

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

    Northern Honshu

    This part of Japan’s largest island is steeped in myth and legend. Home to sacred mountains, dense forests, and vibrant folk traditions, Northern Honshu is a rugged and remote wonderland. The region overflows with literary connections, most famously to the haiku poet Basho, who chronicled his intrepid journey into the region in The Narrow Road to the Deep North. These days, with easy transport to the capital, this epic book title no longer holds true, and this region is as well connected as anywhere else in the country.

    Best for Literature and folk traditions

    Home to Nikko

    Experience A powerful performance of taiko drumming on Sado Island

    Go To: Northern Honshu i

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

    alt image

    t The vermilion Shinkyo Bridge spanning the Daiya River, Nikko

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

    Hokkaido

    The northernmost of Japan’s major islands, and the country’s largest prefecture, Hokkaido is a land of fire and ice. Characterized by fertile plains, perfect skiing conditions, and looming volcanoes, this spectacular island sometimes feels like a different world. The southern gateway to Hokkaido, Hakodate is famed for its bounteous morning market, supplied by the fertile seas that surround the island, while Sapporo – the capital – is best known for the intricate ice sculptures that take over the city during its annual Snow Festival.

    Best for Winter sports

    Home to Boundless national parks

    Experience Snowboarding on the powder-covered pistes of Niseko Ski Resort

    Go To: Hokkaido i

    Discover Getting to Know Japan

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    t Cross-country skiers traversing one of Hokkaido’s mountains

    g Contents

    Discover Japan Itineraries

    alt image

    t Colorful signage in Osaka’s Shinsekai district.

    A land of dramatic contrasts, Japan rewards visitors who have the luxury of time. This itinerary is the perfect introduction to the country.

    g Discover Japan Itineraries g Contents

    Discover Japan Itineraries

    2 weeks

    in Japan

    Discover Japan Itineraries

    alt image

    t The Fushimi Inaritaisha Shrine.

    g Discover Japan Itineraries g Contents

    Discover Japan Itineraries

    5 days

    in Tokyo

    Discover Japan Itineraries

    alt image

    t The Tokyo Tower is Japan’s second-tallest structure.

    g Discover Japan Itineraries g Contents

    Discover Japan Itineraries

    5 days

    in Central Honshu

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