Despite the Internet revolution and resultant websites and blogs offering information about every conceivable aspect of any country you'd care to name, many people make sure a copy of their favorite guidebook is in their $500 suitcase or $5 backpack before boarding a plane.
When you're surrounded by a language and culture not your own, there is something reassuring about being able to thumb through a book to find that hotel, bar, restaurant, train station, bus stop or sightseeing spot you're desperately looking for.
What are the major English-language guidebooks on Japan?