The Lure of the Japanese Garden

Book excerpt: This is a personal introduction to over 100 gardens throughout Japan, with notes on history, access and a glossary of terms. It is a general introduction to garden culture, from its historical background to its spiritual and design bases, and so offers an entry to further appreciation while also acting as an introduction to wider Japanese culture. A large number and variety of gardens are covered in this book, with a broad geographical range stretching throughout the whole of Japan. Hundreds of photographs show the gardens as they appear to ordinary travellers.