Seeing Kyoto
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Book Overview
Tokyo may be the capital of Japan, but Kyoto is its heart and soul. The rich textures of twelve centuries of culture seem to have woven themselves into the very air. How else could you explain the centuries-old feel of the Gion quarter, where geisha still ply their trade? Or the quiet dignity of the cobblestone back streets lined with traditional wooden houses? Seeing Kyoto captures all the elegance and charm of Japan's most beloved city with dozens of stunning images. One can imagine the days when aristocrats and samurai inhabited these neighborhoods. With insightful text, long-time Japan resident Juliet Carpenter delves into the cultural history of Kyoto, as well as its treasures--artistic, culinary, and historical. She also introduces the neighboring city of Nara, often referred to as "little Kyoto." Finally, Carpenter tackles the clash of old and new: how Kyotoites, in their inimitable vigor, are turning the traditions of yesterday into the strengths of today. With a lyrical foreword by tea master Sen Soshitsu, Seeing Kyoto offers an unparalleled view of one of the world's finest cities. It explores everything from the ancient palaces to sacred temple grounds, classic Japanese gardens to treasured artworks--in short, a deluxe volume not to be missed.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:156836444X
ISBN13:9781568364445
Release Date:September 2012
Publisher:Kodansha International
Length:96 Pages
Weight:2.20 lbs.
Dimensions:0.8" x 9.2" x 11.8"
Customer Reviews
1 rating
Only a Partial Picture of Kyoto
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
"Seeing Kyoto" is a picturesque travel guide that is strong on beautiful photos and suggestions for walking routes. However, the image the book presents of Kyoto only captures a narrow slice of what Kyoto is really like. Kyoto is a large Japanese city with all of the crowding and drab concrete buldings that one associates with Tokyo. Yet within this bustling city, there are also beautiful tourist destinations that are unfortunately overwhelmed with tourists. "Seeing Kyoto" is a beautiful book with idealized images of Kyoto. Take this book with a large grain of salt.
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