Booklist Reviews
Not your typical travel guide, this new addition to the DK Eyewitness Travel series combines travel information with cultural insights, appropriate both for visitors to Japan and those who are interested in learning about or experiencing Japanese culture wherever they are. The introductory chapter includes tips for first-time visitors (etiquette, transportation) as well as a list of don't-miss cultural experiences, such as a tea ceremony, karaoke, and a dip in a hot spring. Subsequent themed chapters, including "Timeless Japan" (history), "Innovative Japan" (technology), and "Entertaining Japan" (pop culture and nightlife), provide context as well as possible additions to a travel itinerary. "Focus On" sidebars included in each chapter take a deeper dive into aspects of Japanese culture, from bonsai to female pop-idol bands. While Be More Japan lacks the detailed information of a traditional travel guide, its insider tips, full-color images, and emphasis on quintessential Japanese experiences will inspire armchair travelers and potential visitors alike and complement the travel-guide series found in most public-library collections. Copyright 2019 Booklist Reviews.