Last Updated: 30/05/05
These are the books that I've found the most useful, so you may do too! Please note that most of these books are probably rather out of date by now, and in all likelihood there'll be newer editions out...
Lonely Planet Guide: Japan
ISBN: 1-74059-162-3
RRP (UK): £16.99
Despite stating about Fukui that "There is no real reason to linger here" (a statement not entirely accurate*! especially considering many JETs here stay for two or more years), this is an excellent resource (invaluable if you live here and plan to travel round a bit, I think). Better for the more popular destinations (such as Tokyo and Kyoto), however don't expect to get a real feel for Japan if you just use this book. We stayed in a few ryokan in Kyoto (recommended by this book), which were very nice but were not true Japanese style as they were geared towards the Western market.
(*Although I have to admit, if you're only visiting Japan for a short time, and don't know anyone in Fukui, I would tend to agree...)
Culture Smart! JAPAN, customs and etiquette
by Paul Norbury
Pub. Kuperard
ISBN:1-85733-309-8
RRP (UK): £6.95
Quite a good book - and very small and easy to read (you could easily finish it on the 'plane over). A lot of the information is fairly useful, although the book does seem to be aimed at the traveling businessman (something not advertised on the cover). I have also found that learning about etiquette from a book rather than experience has made me more nervous of making a mistake. My colleagues kept telling me to relax, and I've found that it's not really a big deal if you do make a mistake, anyway. People are generally very understanding (although they WILL laugh at you). Worth a read, though, if you have a general interest in the customs and etiquette of Japan, although take it all with a pinch of salt - I've seen Japanese people break virtually all of the customs described in this book!
Live and Work In Japan
by David Roberts and Elisabeth Roberts
ISBN: 1-85458-209-7
RRP (UK): £10.99
Very well written book in two sections - the first is about living in Japan, and the second about working there. Contains information about finding flat and a job (including useful, up-to-date contacts), exactly what you can expect from culture shock (both going there, and coming back), and loads of other stuff behind. This is an extremely practical book.
Being A Broad In Japan
by Caroline Pover
ISBN: 4-9900791-0-8
RRP (UK): £14.95
As you may guess from the title, this book has been written with women in mind. It tackles all sorts of issues that you may, or may not, have considered and provides invaluable advice. Caroline Pover is a Brit living in Japan and has really done her research well - talking to a wide range of other western women living in Japan. I can't recommend this book highly enough! I think it is a must-buy for any women thinking of going out to Japan. It's also very useful for men, too!
Eyewitness Travel Guides: Japan
ISBN: 0-7513-4687-X
This book is great for an overview of the majority of Japan. It is filled with glossy pictures and useful information and history. It doesn't go into much detail on each prefecture, but it's excellent for providing a general feel of each area.
Kodansha Encyclopedia: Japan (Bilingual)
Marc Schultz et al.
ISBN: 4-7700-2720-6
RRP (Japan): 4,500 Yen
A really excellent resource on facts about Japan - from the political situation, through flora and fauna, to food and culture. Basically, clear, concise, no-nonsense info about Japan - covering just about every topic you can think of...I really wish I'd found this book before I came to Japan, rather than just before I left!
Rough Guide to Europe (2001 Edition)
ISBN: 1-85828-572-0
RRP (UK): £16.99
This book contains detailed information about 31 European Countries, and has 100 maps. I used this book on a trip to Greece, and it was very useful.
Trans-Siberian Railway: A Classic Overland Route
Lonely Planet
ISBN: 1-86450-335-1
RRP (UK): £12.99
Haven't had time to read much of this yet - but it looks like a must-have for anyone considering going down this route. It has some useful Russian phrases, too!
First Time Around
the World: A Rough Guide Special
ISBN: 1-84353-057-0
RRP (UK): £9.99
An excellent book packed full of really practical advice about everything from what to pack to what you can expect when you get there (wherever 'there' might be). I'll definitely be taking this book with me on my travels. It's written in an easy-to-read (but not patronising) style, and is very humorous! I highly recommend this book to anyone who's planning on going off around the world.
Before You Go: The Ultimate Guide to Planning your Gapyear
Tom Griffiths
ISBN: 1-904-012-01-9
RRP (UK): £7.99
A fairly good guide to all you need to consider before setting off on the Big Adventure. It has some especially useful advice for women traveling alone, as well as health considerations and who you should choose to travel with. Quite witty. Don't agree with all the advice, and some of it contradicts what's in the book mentioned above. The penmanship is not great, either! Still...can never have too much info...
The Practical Nomad: How to Travel around the World
Edward Hasbrouck
ISBN: 1-56691-214-8
RRP (UK): £13.99
Definitely geared towards the American market, but it does have some really good advice. Hasbourck is (was?) a practicing travel agent in the States (specialising in round the world tickets and budget travel), and there is a lot of invaluable information in this book about airfares, and - specifically - how you get those good deals! Not sure if it's worth buying (I was lent a copy by a friend), but definitely worth flicking through.
any queries or suggestions, or do you just want to say 'hi'?
feel free to send me an e-mail and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
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