9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another praise review on the best map of Tokyo to date!, May 3, 2005
This review is from: Tokyo City Atlas: A Bilingual Guide (3rd Ed.) (Paperback)
It's hard to top what others have said, since my thoughts are praised exactly. This book is indespensable for your journeys around Tokyo. It features larger maps for the more popular areas like Shinjuku, Tokyo, Akihabara, Ikebukuro, etc. and smaller maps for the surrounding "ku". I have looked around, and it seems this is the only book that is detailed, up to date, and best of all, *Bilingual*! This alone could be the most important key element while navigated through complicated Kanji names. I'll explain why this is neccesary.
I am in Tokyo now in a small area called "Kameari", where the large, detailed maps at the tarin and bus stops dont have the names in English. Although major stops and final destinations are in English, if you're travelling to anything other than the last stop, you're going to have a huge problem buying tickets unless you have a photograhpic memory or can actually read Kanji! This book is a godsend; not everyone understands English if you need help! If all else fails, just point!
My only minor gripe is that on only a few of the stations, it mentions certain exits (like South Exit and West Exit, but failing to mention "North Exit"), and certain department stores. There is an "Ito-Yokado" Department store in both Aoto, Kameari, and Ayase, but the map only lists the nearest Department Store as in Ayase! This is minor, but a little troubling at times, especially in the HUGE stations.
Finally, even the Japanese need to look at the map of where they want to go sometimes. Again I mention the "only in Kanji" maps at the Station. This book has detailed information on where the train and subway routes are. Using this book, I was able to find a solid route back to my apartment before the Station Attendants could! Coincidentally, I'm still finding new routes to take with different lines one actually saved me 160yen per trip! The Japanese have a very complex train system, but also very well done...if you know the ropes. This book is the threads that make up those ropes.
-Doctor Cain
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't Do Tokyo Without It, May 18, 2007
This review is from: Tokyo City Atlas: A Bilingual Guide (3rd Ed.) (Paperback)
Ultimate guide to the streets and trains / subways of Tokyo, hands down. Nice slender profile and easy to use format. I personally use it to plan the day that is forthcoming. Now I can hop on the right train, transfer with ease at the right place, know which exit to leave the station, and walk to my destination. When a book can help tame the confusion of one of the world's largest cities and provide a sense of confidence in knowing the accuracy of it's information will easily get you to where you want to go, that is saying something.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Map, April 10, 2007
This review is from: Tokyo City Atlas: A Bilingual Guide (3rd Ed.) (Paperback)
The English-language maps of Tokyo I've found in guidebooks and elsewhere have generally been incomplete at best, so this map was a terrific find. I've lived in Tokyo for three years and can vouch for this map's utility.
The layout of the book is very simple and straightforward. There are maps of the entire city as well as smaller, more detailed maps of the major areas, such as Shibuya, Ikebukuro, etc...There are a couple pages with the train and subway routes, which is also very helpful and the index is handy when looking for a specific area. My only gripe is that the book isn't larger but I suppose it's been designed for people who want to carry it with them when exploring the city. In any event, this is a small concern; the book is just what I needed.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
