Planning a trip to Japan can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Like many, Japan is high on my travel wishlist, and I’ve spent countless hours dreaming of exploring its vibrant cities and rich culture. While personal anecdotes and online resources are helpful, a good travel guide can be invaluable. This review focuses on “Cool Japan Guide” by Abby Denson and addresses the key question: Is Visit Guide Legit for planning your Japanese adventure?
Cool Japan Guide: Culture Meets Travel Meets Language
“Cool Japan Guide: Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen” is a comic book-style travel guide that offers a whimsical introduction to Japan. Abby Denson, an American artist, shares her experiences with the help of her husband Matt, a local friend named Yuuko, and her imaginary cat, Kitty Sweet Tooth. The book guides you through the entire journey, from pre-departure preparations to navigating the country upon arrival. It provides tips on where to go, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around, making it a comprehensive resource for first-time visitors.
Image: Cool Japan Guide cover, showcasing its comic book style and focus on Japanese culture.
The guide begins with essential pre-trip information, such as visa requirements, how to obtain a Japan Rail Pass, the ideal duration of your stay, and the best time of year to visit based on holidays and weather. This initial section sets the foundation for a well-planned trip.
What Makes This Visit Guide Legit and Helpful?
- Detailed Information: The book provides valuable details that you might not consider otherwise. For instance, it highlights the early closing times of temples and the need for advance planning to secure tickets to the Ghibli Museum.
- Vocabulary Sections: Each chapter begins with a few useful Japanese words and phrases. This is a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with basic vocabulary before and during your trip.
- Comprehensive Resource Guide: The back of the book features a detailed resource guide with websites for further research, addresses of temples, emergency contact information, and a list of festivals organized by month.
- Accessibility: Unlike many complex travel guides, “Cool Japan Guide” is written in a simple and clear style. The comic book format makes it an enjoyable and engaging read. This accessibility is a key factor in determining if is visit guide legit for a broad audience.
Areas for Improvement
While “Cool Japan Guide” offers many benefits, there are a few areas where it could be improved:
- Uneven Focus: At times, the author spends too much time on less critical aspects, such as packing a toiletry bag, while glossing over more important topics like public transportation and traveling outside of Tokyo.
- Irrelevant Content: Some sections, like getting a massage at the airport before boarding the plane to Japan, feel out of place and don’t contribute to the overall travel guidance.
- Lack of Clarity on Location: The guide primarily focuses on Tokyo, but it occasionally shifts to other cities without clear transitions, making it difficult to follow the location being discussed.
Is Visit Guide Legit? Conclusion: A Good Starting Point
Overall, “Cool Japan Guide” is a fun and informative resource, particularly for those planning their first trip to Japan. It’s personable, engaging, and easy to read, making it a great starting point for your travel preparations. If you are wondering, is visit guide legit, the answer is nuanced. It provides a good overview and is primarily focused on Tokyo, so it’s best used in conjunction with other resources to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Japan.
The illustrations are colorful and entertaining, and the book answers many common questions about traveling to Japan. I’ll definitely be referencing it again as I continue to plan my future trip.
Image: Shannon Kennedy, the author of the original blog post, showcasing her expertise in travel and language learning.
Book Details:
- Book: Cool Japan Guide: Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen
- Author: Abby Denson
- Publisher: Tuttle
- Length: 126 pages
