How to Enjoy Cultural Japan Without Taking Group Tour

‘Japan Solo,” by Eiji Kanno and Constance O’Keefe, offers ways to enjoy the cultural riches of Japan and is supported by 193 comprehensive maps. This self-help guide challenges readers to take advantage of economical or deluxe transportation, restaurants and accommodations without having to join a costly tour group. It also provides tips on how to check baggage, communicate, change currency and where to find restrooms. Included is a collection of conversation cards (Warner Books: $14.95).

Suzy Gershman and Judith Thomas have prepared an insider’s guide to name-brand, design and bargain shopping in “Born to Shop Scandinavia.” It details where you can get the most for your money and how to watch out for poorly made products. The book also is a quick reference to which stores, shops and auctions are considered most reliable. Day or half-day tours with maps are included for those in a hurry (Bantam: $8.95).

“The Great Attractions of Los Angeles and Beyond,” by Frederick Pratson, is a comprehensive compendium on virtually everything that can be enjoyed by a resident or a vacationer. It details where to stay and eat and what to see and do, shopping areas, how to get there and how much items and places cost. In addition to theme parks, the guide searches out ghost towns, museums, the Walk of Fame, TV and movie studios, the best surfing areas and other attractions in Southern California (Globe Pequot: $9.95).

The three Prentice Hall Allstate Motor Guides provide super detail, excellent vignettes and colorful descriptions of what to look for in a vacation. The “National Park Guide” by Michael Frome ($11.95) includes color maps and photos of all 337 national park services, and details 49 national parks: natural features, camping tips, accommodations, access routes, activities and Civil War sites.

Also by Michael Frome is “America’s Favorite National Parks” ($5.95), which features the 16 most popular areas. Its text and color maps and photos provide plenty of information.

“Great National Park Vacations,” edited by Catherine Fay ($12.95), is a compilation of facts useful when visiting 25 of America’s national parks.

“Ranch Vacations” by Eugene Kilgore is devoted entirely to the outdoor life. The book describes more than 200 ranches in 26 states.

On a ranch vacation you can get gourmet food, play tennis, swim, raft on white water, fish and so forth. Amenities, rates, accommodations and entertainment are listed.

The book is sprinkled with 40 pages of black-and-white and color photos (John Muir: $18.95).