Japan - Country Travel Guide Author:Chris Rowthorn ?Japan is a world apart ? a cultural Galapagos where a unique civilization blossomed, and thrives today in delicious contrast of traditional and modern. The Japanese spirit is strong, warm and incredibly welcoming.? ? Chris Rowthorn, Lonely Planet Writer — Our Promise — You can trust our travel information because Lonely Planet authors visit the p... more »laces we write about, each and every edition. We never accept freebies for positive coverage, and you can rely on us to tell it like we see it.