Originally Posted by
typhoon
I was just about to order my copy of Japan "Rough Guide" on Amazon UK when I read the reviews of many readers saying it was lacking detail and had poor indexing. I usually like the style of writing in RG guides and they are invariably my first choice so I'm in a quandary now.
So then I considered the "Lonely Planet" guide but it too didn't have excellent reviews, and anyway I usually find LP a bit too backpacker-like for me.
I would prefer only taking 1 book with me if possible- for bulk and cost reasons- so was thinking of a Japan guidebook rather than 2 separate Tokyo and Kyoto ones.
What would you recommend? @:-)
Thanks in advance. Am going in 3 weeks.
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In general, the Rough Guides and Lonely Planet guides work out this way, at least for every country I've used them in:
1. Lonely Planet: Covers every town and hamlet that could possibly have anything of interest. Tells you how to get there. Sketchy on accommodations and food, outdated in some cases, especially on prices.
2. Rough Guide: Doesn't cover as many places but has a more narrative, chatty style. Vague on prices.
If your trip is confined to Tokyo and Kyoto, you may want to get the Rough Guides or the Lonely Planet guides for both cities. They aren't that thick, and they both include information about surrounding cities.