Japan has endless places to shop and eat - but not every viral recommendation is worth the queue or your money.

This guide helps you skip the tourist traps and discover the places and products that are genuinely worth adding to your trip: delicious local food, affordable restaurants, smart shopping spots and unique Japanese finds.

After 12 years working as a travel manager, I know how to research, compare and plan a trip beyond the obvious recommendations. I return to Japan regularly and explore the country with my Japanese friends - combining their local knowledge with everything I personally test and discover along the way.

Every recommendation in this guide has been carefully selected to help you spend less time searching, avoid disappointing experiences and enjoy more of what makes Japan truly special.

Open the guide and start planning a Japan trip that is worth every yen.