Japan is more than temples, cherry blossoms, bullet trains and neon-lit streets. Behind every place you visit lies a story that explains why the country looks, feels and works the way it does today.

Japan: Beyond the Attractions takes you beyond the usual sightseeing lists and into the history, traditions and everyday culture behind the destination. Discover the worlds of emperors, shoguns and samurai, the meaning of Shinto and torii gates, the transformation of the Meiji era, the story of Kyoto, Mount Fuji, geisha, sakura, Japanese food culture, anime, manga and modern technology.

The guide also includes a practical Japan Ready Pack, essential etiquette, a Japanese Survival Kit, common traveler mistakes, emergency information and useful live resources for your trip.

Read it before you leave — or open the chapter that connects with the place you are about to visit. Because when you understand the story behind what you see, an attraction becomes more than a stop on your itinerary.

It becomes part of the story of your journey.