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Kate Anderson

Japan · City Guide · No. 17

The Japan Guide

A first Japan trip, filtered down to Tokyo + Kyoto and the decisions that matter.

You do not need to understand all of Japan before you go. You need a filter.

Japan has too much information. The Japan Guide brings a first trip down to Tokyo + Kyoto: where to stay, what genuinely deserves your time, how the cities fit together, what to book first, and how to handle the practical side without disappearing into research.

$19Launch price. Standard price $24

Launch price for early readers. Returns to $24 after launch.

Coming soon

This edition is being finalised.

The shop opens soon. Until then, have a wander: every guide, route and travel tool is here to explore.

Follow me on my journey
Better together: the Complete Japan Collection includes this and 3 more for $34.

What it helps you do

Spend less time trying to understand all of Japan, and more time building one excellent first trip around Tokyo, Kyoto and the journey between them.

What’s inside

Contents

  1. 01Japan at a Glance
  2. 02Where to Stay in Tokyo + KyotoChoose the area for the trip you want.
  3. 03Know Your Tokyo · Tokyo EssentialsThe neighbourhoods worth understanding and the anchors worth booking.
  4. 04Tokyo food + coffee · After Dark + shopping
  5. 05Know Your Kyoto · Kyoto EssentialsWhy timing matters in Kyoto as much as the sights themselves.
  6. 06Kyoto food + Slow Kyoto
  7. 07Tokyo → Kyoto by ShinkansenSeats, luggage and how the transfer day actually works.
  8. 08Practical Japan · Japan by season · How long do you need?
  9. 09Your Japan Shortlist, official links, Last Checked

Especially useful if…

  • A first Japan trip with Tokyo + Kyoto at its heart
  • Roughly 3–10 days, solo, as a couple or with friends
  • Food, design, neighbourhoods, culture, hotels and atmosphere
  • Understanding two places well rather than rushing through five

What it isn’t

  • An all-Japan encyclopedia
  • A 200-place directory
  • A nationwide rail guide
  • A minute-by-minute itinerary

The filtering has already been done for you.

Format

PDF guide

Type
City Guide
Last checked
October 2026
Delivery
Instant: a private download page, plus the link by email.

Questions

Is this an itinerary?

No. The Japan Guide helps you understand a first trip and make better choices. If you want the days already planned, Tokyo in 3 Days, Kyoto in 3 Days and Japan in 7 Days do that, and the Complete Japan Collection includes all of them.

Can I use it for a longer Japan trip?

Yes, especially for the Tokyo + Kyoto part. It isn't a guide to every region of Japan.

How current is it?

Researched and checked in October 2026. Recheck opening hours, ticket rules, Shinkansen seat and luggage rules, hotel taxes and closures shortly before you travel.

Do I need an app?

No. It's a PDF that opens on your phone, tablet or laptop.

Something wrong with a file?

Email kateanderson.travel@gmail.com and we'll help. Terms of sale are on the Terms page.

Complete the trip