Illustrated Festivals of Japan (Japan in Your Pocket Series, Vol 4)

Rating:
Summary: Don't travel in Japan without this series!
Review: The Japan in Your Pocket series, simply put, is a must-read for anyone considering travel in Japan. Its simple text and highly amusing comic illustrations are the clearest explaination of differences between Japanese and American culture that I've ever seen!

In particular, this volume is excellent at illustrating some of the mysterious (and to Western eyes, slightly wacky) customs that make up many of the important festivals throughout the year in various Japanese cities. It explains the significance of the happenings in simple, concise language without over-simplfying or talking down to those unfamiliar with Japanese customs. It makes no assumptions about the level of knowledge a person may have about Japan, but instead takes things step-by-step, often giving the reasons behind a custom, not just telling you "Do this, don't do that." Avoid a thousand mis-steps and mistakes in Japan and read these books!