The Lonely Planets are always useful for the planning stages of any holiday, although when I first picked up this new edition Japan, I felt overwhelmed by how much choice there was and didn't know where to start. He specialises in travelling off the beaten track, whether on remote atolls or in the hidden streets of major cities.

Cats have wandered this island for hundreds of years – first to control the mice eating the silkworms, then as a lucky companion to fisherfolk.The birthplace of Japanese alpinism, Kamikōchi is also the gateway for more challenging treks up some of the country's tallest mountains, such as Yari-ga-take (3180m/10,433ft). Looking for a comprehensive guide that recommends both popular and offbeat experiences, and extensively covers all the country has to offer? The impressive Peace Memorial Park shows how the human tragedy of the atomic bomb attack on the city has been transformed into a message of peace.

But based on my years of experience of travelling in Japan, I could see that much of it would be redundant pretty quickly and wouldn't reward repeat use as much as The Rough Guide would. Whereas, of the same location, The Rough Guide described it more accurately, pointing out that in the evening there was less to attract the passing visitor. The information isn't organized by neighborhood (except for the smaller maps and top sights) so you have to flip through to the massive Tokyo Eats or Sleeps section if you want to find information about a specific restaurant or hotel. Easy day hikes are possible along the Azusa-gawa, following the pristine river through tranquil forests of willow, larch and elm. Or enjoy the Japanese art of coziness in izakaya (taverns) with winter comfort dishes like oden fishcakes in a dashi broth.The "budget" recommendations were expensive, the "off the beaten path" options were still highly touristed, and they didnt eben mention some of the best neighborhoods we found. Spring means cherry blossom season in Japan, but the romance is fleeting lasting only for a week or two. Explore over a thousand temples in old imperial capital Kyoto, relax in one of the onsens scattered across the archipelago, and sample the breadth of Japan's sublime cuisine; all with your trusted travel companion. Sit cross-legged (there’s enough room) and enjoy the plush mattress and the feeling of being cocooned in comfort. Tasty sushi, onigiri (rice balls filled with tuna, meat or plum), and grilled-fish bento meals are delivered around the clock, so you will likely get something fresh.

You might want to check out the Ghibli (pronounced "Jiburi") Museum, home to Ghibli Studios and designed by master animator Hayao Miyazaki himself. Not that their advice is bad, but you will find many choices of places to eat and stay, a lot of them very good, and there is no way LP can cover them all. I'll probably create another post focusing on more niche travel publishers in the future but, for now, in the context of this post, there's one I want to bring to your attention: Moon Travel Guides. From Onomichi on Honshū to Imabari on Shikoku, you can make stops to swim at secluded beaches, visit a museum dedicated to local painters, and visit shrines with sea views all to yourself. Planning tip: Tickets for sumo, kabuki and Giants baseball games usually go on sale one to two months in advance.

Lonely Planet: The world’s leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet Discover Japan is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Japan has a vibrant scene of two million surfers who know where to find turquoise waters and sparkling sand. The castle has crumbled, but samurai residences live on in Tsuwano, a Japanese mountain town where time seems in no hurry. The natural settings allow you to feel the delicious contrast of the hot waters against the pine-fresh open air.

There is more novelty and an explosion of choice (and matcha flavors) in the candy, beer and green tea aisles.But, to me, the differences were striking, and enough to enable me to make a clear and confident choice. Also, although there are fewer pages than the 2008 edition (880 now compared with over 1,000 then) the book is noticeably thicker than its earlier edition. On the weekends, the cheaper capsule hotels might get drunken revelers snoring, but people are generally very respectful. You’ll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, videos, 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more, enabling you to explore every day. The guidebook will help you narrow down your itinerary but super-fast accessible internet is the way to go once you are there.