Hidden Gardens of Japan, John Lander

IBC Publishing
Softcover
Pages: 176
Size: 18 x 14,8
Language: Japanese/English
 
The book explores relatively unseen gardens throughout Japan, those that have been overlooked by mass tourism and retain their original calm. Occasionally these gardens are not as famous as their cousins for different reasons: the temple priest is not interested in their sanctuary becoming a tourist attraction, or their location does not permit large tour buses. Certain gardens are maintained by each city, first and foremost for their taxpaying citizens, and therefore list them as "parks" rather than "Japanese gardens" which keeps them off tourist itineraries. Each garden has expanded captions written in both English and Japanese as well as google maps short links with exact locations.
 
John Lander is a freelance photographer based in Japan with a passion for Japanese gardens, hot springs, and festivals. He has been resident in Japan for more than thirty years, based in Tokyo and near Kamakura. Since Kyoto is the world capital of gardening, he spends several months every year in Kyoto as well.