Rough guide japan pdf download

The Japanese are experts at focusing on detail the exquisite wrapping of gifts and the tantalizing presentation of food are just two examples but often miss the broader picture. Rampant development and sometimes appalling pollution are difficult to square with a country also renowned for cleanliness and appreciation of nature. Part of the problem is that natural cataclysms, such as earthquakes and typhoons, regularly hit Japan, so few people expect things to last for long anyway.

And yet, time and again, Japan redeems itself with unexpectedly beautiful landscapes, charmingly courteous people, and its tangible sense of history and cherished traditions. Few will be able to resist the chance to get to grips with its mysterious yet tantalising culture that blurs the traditional boundaries between East and West — Japan is unique, neither wholly one nor the other.

Two weeks is the minimum needed to skim the surface of what Japan can offer. It would be easy enough to spend two weeks just in Tokyo. The region is also known for its vibrant summer festivals, notably those at Sendai, Aomori, Hirosaki and Akita, and for its sacred mountains, including Dewa-sanzan, home to a sect of ascetic mountain priests, and the eerie, remote wastelands of Osore-zan.

Takayama deservedly draws many visitors to its handsome streets lined with merchant houses and temples, built by generations of skilled carpenters. The efficient new airport nearby also makes the city a good alternative entry point. South of the Japan Alps, the Kansai plains are scattered with ancient temples, shrines and the remnants of imperial cities.

Not all of Kansai is so rarefied, though. The beauty of the Inland Sea, dotted with thousands of islands, is best appreciated from the idyllic fishing village of Tomonoura, the port of Onomichi and the relaxed islands of Nao-shima, Ikuchi-jima and Miya-jima. Crossing to the San-in coast, the castle town of Hagi retains some handsome samurai houses and atmospheric temples, only surpassed by even more enchanting Tsuwano, further inland.

Fukuoka, on the other hand, takes pride in its innovative modern architecture and an exceptionally lively entertainment district. The beautifully reconstructed former royal palace dominates the capital city, Naha, but the best of the region lies on its remoter islands.

Big believers in team spirit, the Japanese embrace many sports with almost religious fervour. Baseball is actually more popular than the home-grown sumo, and hot on the heels of both sports is soccer. Martial arts, such as aikido, judo and karate, all traditionally associated with Japan, have a much lower profile than you might expect. Popular outdoor activities include skiing, hiking and mountain climbing. The bilingual bimonthly magazine Outdoor Japan is also a mine of useful information.

In the professional leagues, the teams are sponsored by big businesses, a fact immediately apparent from their names, such as the Yakult a food company Swallows and Yomiuri a newspaper conglomerate Giants. The victors from the Central and Pacific leagues go on to battle it out for the supreme title in the seven-match Japan Series every autumn. Tickets for all games are available from the stadia or at advance ticket booths.

At the start of a bout, the two rikishi wrestlers wade into the ring, wearing only mawashi aprons, which are essentially giant jockstraps. The Rough Guide to Japan. Share Share. Buy Ebook This item is already in your basket. Choose a retailer to buy a paperback or an ebook Amazon Waterstones. Related guides In-depth, easy-to-use guides filled with expert advice. This ebook includes the following formats, accessible from your account page after purchase: EPUB The open industry format known for its reflowable content and usability on supported mobile devices.

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Explore Japan with the smartest and shrewdest guidebook on the market. In full colour throughout, this opinionated guide is packed with essential information on the latest and best places to sleep, eat, party and shop, as well as pointers on etiquette and other cultural niceties. A pocket guide to the city of Tokyo, this text features lively accounts of every attraction, up-to-the minute reviews of the best hotels, clubs, restaurants and shops, and excursions to nearly temple town and Mount Fuji.

In full color throughout, this opinionated guide is packed with essential information on the latest and best places to sleep, eat, party and shop and includes pointers on etiquette and other cultural niceties. Skip to content Features of this travel guide to Tokyo: - Detailed regional coverage: provides practical information for every kind of trip, from off-the-beaten-track adventures to chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas - Honest and independent