Kyoto’s gardens are glorious, beautiful, and thought-provoking Japanese treasures without parallel in other lands. They are distinguished from other art forms by a philosophy that views human beings as a part of nature. Designers intend to embody the integration and harmony between humans and nature by creating a natural landscape, which elevates their garden designs to the level of an art form. This book introduces the soul of Kyoto, the Japanese garden. Addressing variations through the different types of temple gardens—gardens of the imperial family and aristocratic households, and urban courtyard and other gardens—it offers an understanding of the compelling fascination that these gardens’ beauty and philosophical depth inspire.

A collection of one-of-a-kind Japanese gardens, which reveal the cultural heritage and artworks on the creative frontier between humans and nature.