Japan--100 Hidden Towns

Book excerpt: Ideal travel guidebook for returning visitors to Japan searching for a deeper cultural experience. Away from the bustling cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, there is a hidden Japan--where quiet, bucolic ways of life, and proudly maintained local history and traditions can be found. Japan--100 Hidden Towns is a guide to this other, off-the-beaten-track, Japan. 100 towns from all of the country's 47 prefectures--including some places which may be unfamiliar even to natives of Japan--were carefully selected and reviewed by researchers from over 150 candidate areas, with a focus on nature, culture, food, access, and key dates to visit. Interesting tidbits of local history are also included in each review's "Did you know?" section, while a taste of subjectivity and a few anecdotes are provided in the "We say" segments. This book is supported by a website (www.100hiddentowns.jp) that includes detailed maps to the attractions, and updates to help readers while on their travels. As well as providing a wealth of travel information in one attractive, easily navigable volume, the book is ideal for casual reading--deepening your understanding of Japan as you pour over the pages.