Zen Gardens and Temples of Kyoto: A Guide to Kyoto’s Most Important Sites

This book presents a true journey into the heart of the Kyoto experience–one which brings you deep into the world of Kyoto’s ancient Zen Buddhist culture. Kyoto’s Zen heritage represents one of mankind’s greatest achievements–recognized by the large number of temples, shrines and gardens which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Millions of visitors travel to Kyoto yearly in search of their secrets, and here for the first time is a comprehensive overview of each major site. Over 50 temples and gardens–including all World Heritage Sites–are captured here in sensitive photos by acclaimed Kyoto-based photographer John Einarsen. A detailed introduction to each temple by local expert John Dougill includes information about special opportunities for visitors–such as early morning meditation sessions, temple food offerings and special green tea sets provided to enhance the contemplative experience–along with other “insider” information that no other guide provides. A preface by Rev Takafumi Kawakami, the deputy head priest of the Shunkoin Temple in Kyoto, serves to place the book within the context of eastern and western Buddhist thought and practice. His widely viewed TED Talk “How mindfulness can help you to live in the present” has been viewed by over 100,000 people.