Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime in this latest edition of our guide to Japan.

Discover Japan's most popular experiences and best kept secrets from hitting the slopes of Niseko, Asia's top ski and snowboarding destination; to taking in Kyoto's Gion district while looking out for geisha shuffling the lantern-lit streets; and travelling the long and winding road to Nyuto Onsen, one of Japan's most rustic hot-spring experiences.

Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's Japan travel guide:

• Our classic guidebook format contains the most comprehensive level of information for planning multi-week trips

• All-new structure and design that's easy to use so you can navigate Japan effortlessly

• Exciting itineraries help you create your perfect adventure with suggestions for extended journeys, day trips, walking tours and activity-led excursions

• Expert local recommendations on eating, drinking, nightlife, shopping, accommodation, festivals, when to go and more

• Vibrant photography and maps including a pull-out map of Tokyo

• Get fresh takes on must-visit sights from Senso-ji, to Mt Fuji, and Tosho-gu

• Essential information toolkit containing tips on arriving, transport, local etiquette, using money, LGBTIQ+ travel advice, useful words and phrases, accessibility and responsible travel

• Connect with Japanese culturethrough stories that delve deep into local life, history and traditions

• Covers: Tokyo, Mt Fuji & Around Tokyo, Central Honshu & the Japan Alps, Kyoto, Kansai, Hiroshima & Western Honshu, Northern Honshu, Sapporo & Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa & the Southwest Islands

Create a trip that's uniquely yours and get to the heart of this extraordinary country with Lonely Planet's Japan.

About the Author

Craig McLachlan

A 'freelance anything' with an MBA from the University of Hawai'i, Craig has done a lot of adventuring, especially in Japan! He has:

- walked the length of Japan (3200kms in 99 days!).

- hiked the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku Pilgrimage.

- set a 78-day record for climbing the Hyakumeizan, Japan's 100 Famous Mountains.

- journeyed around the Saigoku 33 Temples of Kannon Pilgrimage.

- trekked from the Sea of Japan to the Pacific Ocean climbing all Japan's 3,000-meter peaks along the way.

Books on all these adventures are available on Amazon in English and four have been published in Japan in Japanese.

Craig has also been researching and writing for Lonely Planet for 20 years. He has contributed to multiple editions of 'Japan', 'Hiking in Japan', 'South Pacific', 'Rarotonga, Tonga & Samoa', 'Vanuatu & New Caledonia', 'Hawaii', 'Waikiki, Honolulu & Oahu', 'Pocket Honolulu', and covered the Greek Islands for 5 editions of 'Western Europe' and 'Europe on a Shoestring'. This titles are all available on Amazon.

Craig's first novel, 'Kiwi Republic' is also on Amazon.

Based in Queenstown, New Zealand, where he runs outdoor tours for Japanese, Craig also takes tours of Japanese hikers all over the world. He is also a pilot, karate instructor, Japanese interpreter and hiking guide.