Kyoto City of Zen: Visiting the Heritage Sites of Japan's Ancient Capital

Description

In this book, local Kyoto expert Judith Clancy presents the most important gardens, temples, shrines and palaces of this ancient capital city and enduring cultural center. In addition to unveiling the city's spiritual and historical riches, this book shares with readers the exquisite foods and artistic craft traditions that have flourished in Kyoto for over a millennium. Tea ceremonies, calligraphy, weaving, pottery, painting, drama, and many more traditional arts and crafts are presented through the masterful photographs of Ben Simmons, whose imagination captures the true essence of Kyoto. The city's natural setting also comes into focus as you walk along leafy mountain paths and through parks, viewing the best foliage each season has to offer.

A resident of Kyoto for over 40 years, Judith Clancy lives in a 120-year-old converted weaver's studio in Nishijin, Kyoto's weaving and dyeing district. She interprets for different groups and teaches about Kyoto's history and culture and is the author of "Exploring Kyoto." Ben Simmons is a longtime Japan resident whose photos have appeared in books, magazines, and exhibitions worldwide, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the United Nations. He holds an MFA from the University of Florida. Some of his other book projects are Tokyo Megacity and Traditional Japanese Architecture: An Exploration of Elements and Forms, both published by Tuttle.

"...provides great inspiration about where to visit in the city." --Kyoto Journal