Recomended Travel Guides for Japan?

[Legitikick]

What travel guides would be recommended for first time visitor to Japan? This is for someone that will be backpacking on his own and in mid tweenties. So sightseeing will be done but I guide to the night life would also be apreciated.

Thanks All.

[tumblezweedz]

We used a Lonely Planet guide to Northeast Asia...for some inexplicable reason, though we lived there for three years, I never bought a Japan only guide. Well, I did pick up Japan for Kids, but I don't think that'll help you much! The BX sells an excellent guide to northern Japan, called "Exploring Tohoku", which I used a ton, but most of our exploration of Japan was up north, so it was more focused. I also picked up A Traveller's History of Japan by Richard Tames, which is good for background info.

You might be able to order guide books through AAFES, if you have a chance. I know you're down range, but you never know til you ask...