The only international travel I have done is to Europe (from the US), and I always use Rick Steves as my starting point. I love his itinerary recommendations and his walking tours. I supplement my travel planning with internet research eventually, but the backbone of my trips are based on Rick’s recommendations. I love how a guide book has all the information in one place. I get overwhelmed starting with internet research because there is just too much information and I get in situations where I don’t know what I don’t know.
Now I’m planning a trip to Japan and I don’t know where to start. What guide book would you recommend for information on itineraries, site-rankings, and self-guided walking tours? I’m less worried about restaurant and hotel recommendations and more working about where I should focus my efforts and limited time abroad.