"Bring the art and beauty of Japan to your garden with inspiration from Kyoto Gardens." —HGTV GardensBy design, Kyoto's gardens possess a unique ability to provoke deep contemplation and joy in equal measure. This book is a labor of love from master photographer Ben Simmons and longtime Kyotobased writer Judith Clancy. It contains lyrical images and poetic essays describing Kyoto's most famous gardens—most of them now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including:Kyoto's Old Imperial Palace Garden: A massive walled complex filled with flowering plants, trees and buildings which served as the official residence of the Japanese emperor for over 5 years before 1868 and is now a public park.Heian Jingu Shrine Garden: Constructed on the site of the ancient capital and filled with lush greenery, ponds, rocks, bridges and pavilions which float above the water, providing a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.Ginkakuji Pure Land Garden: An earthly paradise featuring a massive truncated