The Gardens of Japan

This book cannot be bettered as an introduction to the subject for visitors - a ravishingly beautiful and inspirational read that makes you want to jump on the next plane to Tokyo. BBC Gardens Illustrated Having visited the gardens of Kyoto extensively I was almost afraid to open this book in case it disappointed. It didn't. The photographs capture the detail and ethos. The prose is informed and I'm able to recapture my experiences through this wonderful book. Oxford Times Attlee's informative text is supported by the photography of Alex Ramsey, who has captured the elegance and majestic quality of these immaculately groomed gardens. Featuring iconic Japanese imagery: koi carp in milky ponds, trained trees, stepping stones, spring blossoms and vibrant autumn leaves, this book is a real treat for the eye. Outdoor Photography Featuring unusual and relatively remote examples alongside the famous raked gravel and rocks of Ryogen-in and the temple moss gardens of Kyoto it is also packed with atmospheric detailed shots of stone tsukubai or water basins used for water purification, flowers floating on water and so on that are every bit as insightful into the spirit of Japanese gardening as the more expected overviews. Sunday Telegraph Until such time as you can make a trip to Japan. Her book is your window on Japan's greatest gardens. Scotsman This beautiful book leaves one itching to plan to experience these serene sights at first hand. World of Interiors The author is Helena Atlee, a fine explainer of foreign gardens' history and meaning who is known to many of you for her superb recent book on the gardens of Portugal. Her Gardens of Japan studies 28 of the most famous sites and features photographs taken by her husband Alex Ramsay, and a checklist of addresses, contacts and opening times in Kyoto and elsewhere. It will be invaluable for foreign visitors. -- Robin Lane fox Financial Times The perfect book for the first time garden visitor to Japan. House & Garden Need to spruce up your summer garden? Take inspiration from 'The Gardens of Japan' by Helena Atlee. Packed full of gordeous photographs by Alex Ramsay. Image Magazine (Eire) A gorgeous book. Sunday Telegraph For anyone who has been to Japan to look at gardens, this would be a lovely memento, and for anyone who is thinking of going, it would provide a tempting itinerary. Professional Gardener For garden visitors and armchair travellers. Irish Times

Helena Attlee is an author and journalist who has made the garden and its history her special subject. Her books include The Gardens of Portugal Italian Gardens: A Cultural History and Gardens of Wales (all publishd by Frances Lincoln). She lectures widely, writes for a wide range of journals and magazines, and leads specialist garden tours. She lives in Presteigne, Powys, with her husband, the photographer Alex Ramsay. Alex Ramsay is well known as an award-winning photographer of architecture, gardens and landscapes. His work has appeared in leading magazines worldwide and illustrates many books including Helena Attlee's Italian Gardens: A Cultural History and Gardens of Wales. To visit Alex Ramsay's website click here

Map Introduction Adachi Museum of Art and Gardens Daichi-ji Daisen-in Entsu-ji Ginkaku-ji Heian Jingu Higashi-Gyoen Hosen-in Kairaku-en Katsura Rikyu Kenroku-en Kinkaku-ji Konchi-in Koraku-en Koto-in Murin-an Nanzen-ji Hojo Ritsurin-koen Ryoan-ji Ryogen-in Saiho-ji Sanzen-in Shoden-ji Shosei-en Suizen-ji Tenju-an Tenryu-ji Tofuku-ji Visiting Japanese Gardens Select Bibliography Index Acknowledgments