Stunningly illustrated, this is both a guidebook to accessible gardens in Japan and a revelation of their historical and cultural contexts for the general reader. Containing over 120 accounts of gardens spanning regions east, west, north, and south of Kyoto the book provides a brief description, access notes, and a photograph for easy reference. Interwoven with the essays are personal experiences and notes on travel in different seasons. The appendix includes a glossary of terms and a chronological summary of the gardens in different historical periods. A perfect portable traveling companion, this book is the first to show such a wide geographical spread of gardens throughout Japan. 120 color illustrations