Recommended Reading: Japan

I like to read about where I am and where I’m going. This can be good and bad. For example, reading James Joyce’s depressing book of short stories gave me dark, bizarre dreams during our honeymoon in Ireland. I try to be more careful now. If you have your sights set on Japan, these titles might interest you.
.
You Only Live Twice by Ian Fleming
James Bond’s career is over after supervillian Ernst Stavro Blofeld kills Bond’s wife on their way to their honeymoon (in a different novel). In a final attempt to retrieve the spy from self destruction, M sends him to Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukuoka to put an end to a mysterious man’s castle of death!
.
Travelers’ Tales Japan
A compilation of short stories that touches on many varied aspects of Japanese culture. I learned a lot!
.
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
An interesting perspective on life in Kyoto before, during and after World War II, this is the book for anyone interested in the lifestyle of a geisha.
.
A Year in Japan by Kate T Williamson
Watercolors and just enough text give a first-hand account of modern life in Kyoto.
.
Tokyo Encounters from the Lonely Planet Encounters series
A little history, a little language and a list of festivals—this book breaks the formidable city into manageable neighborhoods. Excellent maps. I carry this guidebook often.
.
Tales of Old Japan by A.B. Mitford
An English lord published this book shortly after Japan reopened to the West in 1871 and it’s still considered an excellent introduction to Japanese culture and tradition. I read a half or whole story a few nights a week before bed and it gives me really weird dreams.
.
Japanese Accents in Western Interiors and At Home With Japanese Design by Peggy Rao and Jean Mahoney
I use these coffee table books as shopping lists and reference books. Most of the western stuff is sooooo late 80s, which is fantastic. Fortunately, traditional Japanese design doesn’t change a whole lot, so the ideas continue to be excellent.
.
A Travelers’ History of Japan by Richard Tames
I bought this because it was 50 cents at the thrift shop. It’s used in some university history classes and is part of the Travelers’ History Series. I’m not very far into it because I never get through more than a few pages at night before I nod off—but it does help me sleep soundly.
.
Japanland: A Year in Search of Wa by Karen Muller
Ms. Muller is endearing despite trying too hard and actually turning a corner of her host family’s zen garden into a vegetable patch!! She lived in Fujisawa, which is so close I’ve been there twice this week. A quick, enlightening read—who knew the people responsible for the trains stopping at midnight are none other than the taxi lobby??

.
I Am a Cat by Natsume Soseki
This very modern satire on Japanese life was penned in 1905. I read a summery of Genji and gave it up for this novelette.
.
Additionally, I have found a few guidebooks written by Japanese authors in English. I like An English Guide to Kamakura’s Temples and Shrines by Kenji Kamio and Heather Willson, and Guide in Nikko by Masao Tezuka.
.
And I don’t even have to mention Passport Diaries for additional pleasure reading on Japan!!
.
Now please let me know: what are your favorite books about Japan? Or another location for that matter.