Kyoto, 29 Walks in Japan's Ancient Capital: The Definitive Guide to Kyoto's Temples, Shrines, Gardens and Palaces

Description

Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital and modern-day center of tourism and traditional culture, is one of the world's most beautiful and historic cities. Founded nearly 1,300 years ago and undamaged by the war, Kyoto today is the home of over 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, countless national treasures and 17 World Heritage sites, including the famed Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple. To experience the essence of Kyoto, you must walk its avenues and streets, its alleys and byways. Only in this way can you appreciate the true spirit of the place-its quiet lanes and bustling main thoroughfares, and the juxtaposition of traditional and modern houses and shops, serene gardens and holy temples and shrines. This book presents 29 easy-to-follow walking tours through Kyoto's history, its many unique districts and scenic areas full of charm and character. You'll discover not only the most renowned sites, such as the Silver Pavilion, the rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple and the garden of the Heian Shrine, but also little-known areas off the beaten track.

John H. Martin was a professor of Chinese and Japanese Civilization at the University of Richmond and taught courses in Japanese history, religion and culture at several colleges in New York State. Dr. Martin and his wife, Phyllis G. Martin, have been directors of museums in New York and have traveled extensively in Japan and elsewhere.

"What distinguishes this title from many others purporting to be the last word on the subject is its highly detailed content, reflecting a rare cultural depth and appreciation of subject." --Stephen Mansfield, The Japan Times "The book that out-temples all the rest; the essence of Kyoto" --Kansai Time Out "More than 100 color photos and 40 full-color guide maps and diagrams of individual sites make this an indispensable guide. Each walk comes with a huge amount of detail and background information. The beauty of the photos makes this almost coffee-table book like in its quality. Yet, it is small enough to carry around." --Japan Visitor blog