Frommer's Tokyo

Rating:
Summary: SUBWAY MAP WAS GREAT!!!
Review: I got the 7th edition of this book and I thought it was great! I lived in Tokyo for over 7 months and I used the book all the time to get around! I would map out my destination on the subway map and follow it all the way there and back! The directions that I got for each walking tour were great...minus one little spot, the Yanaka walking tour was nice until the last stop. But other than that I thought the directions were spot on giving which exit to leave the subway and giving prices for everything. The book is kind of thick for daytime travel but all the info was great. One of the bars that I frequented, the owner saw I had pulled out the book told me of the woman who came in to verify the info. I loved it and am so glad I got it! I'm sure to take it back with me when I go back in a few months.

Rating:
Summary: Useful but buy the full guide...
Review: My companion and I tried to use this book in Tokyo (since we purchased it and felt that we had to get full value). Needless to say the maps were horrible (placements of the restaurants, hotels and sites on the maps were incorrect). They also have the horrible habit of putting only the english names (hello!!!, we're in Japan) of the restaurants/sites/hotels in the book so when you try to find the place - you may walk past it endlessly until you ask every stranger on the street. Unless you're going to stick to the most basic tourist areas where everything is translated for the gaijin, don't even think about this book. On the other hand, if you like to meet strangers, this is an excellent excuse. [Eventually we broke down and had to buy another travel guide]

Rating:
Summary: Horrible Directions and Maps - Lost in Tokyo
Review: My companion and I tried to use this book in Tokyo (since we purchased it and felt that we had to get full value). Needless to say the maps were horrible (placements of the restaurants, hotels and sites on the maps were incorrect). They also have the horrible habit of putting only the english names (hello!!!, we're in Japan) of the restaurants/sites/hotels in the book so when you try to find the place - you may walk past it endlessly until you ask every stranger on the street. Unless you're going to stick to the most basic tourist areas where everything is translated for the gaijin, don't even think about this book. On the other hand, if you like to meet strangers, this is an excellent excuse. [Eventually we broke down and had to buy another travel guide]

Rating:
Summary: Useful but buy the full guide...
Review: Though I don't have my copy in front of me to verify, I seem to recall that the book actually lists the Kanji for the names of hard to find restaurants in the back section, making it easy to find restaurants without English names. I just thought I'd throw that out there so nobody was misled by the other review.

I do agree that there is a decided lack of maps. I was able to find my way through the city but not without taking a few wrong turns. Still, I liked asking for directions. It will give you a chance to practice your Japanese.

Frommer's: Japan IS just as comprehensive as Frommer's: Tokyo though. There's really no need to buy this book unless you're going to be spending the entirety of your trip in the capital. If you are going to Japan for anything other than business, please go someplace like Kyoto or even just a quick trip to Hakone. You won't regret it.

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive, but not for the directionally-challenged
Review: With straight-forward descriptions and commentary (typical ofFrommer's guides), this is a very comprehensive guide to Tokyo. I'vespent the past 6 weeks living and working in Tokyo, using this book to guide my weekend adventures. The places/attractions, etc. I've visited--based on Frommer's Tokyo suggestions--have even impressed coworkers (Tokyo natives). Two drawbacks: The maps are a bit lacking and the "walking tour" directions are a bit confusing, even for those who are not directionally-challenged. Note: I also purchased the Frommer's Japan guide and after comparing its Tokyo section to the Frommer's Tokyo guide, I realized that the Japan guide is equally comprehensive. END

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive, but not for the directionally-challenged
Review: With straight-forward descriptions and commentary (typical ofFrommer's guides), this is a very comprehensive guide to Tokyo. I'vespent the past 6 weeks living and working in Tokyo, using this book to guide my weekend adventures. The places/attractions, etc. I've visited--based on Frommer's Tokyo suggestions--have even impressed coworkers (Tokyo natives). Two drawbacks: The maps are a bit lacking and the "walking tour" directions are a bit confusing, even for those who are not directionally-challenged. Note: I also purchased the Frommer's Japan guide and after comparing its Tokyo section to the Frommer's Tokyo guide, I realized that the Japan guide is equally comprehensive. END