The importance of kyoto's role as the chief center of culture on Japan for over thousand years is revealed by the many notable gardens presented in this guidebook. Thirty-two garden are represented including; the moss garden of Saiho-ji, the stone garden of Ryoanji and landscape gardens of many temples such as kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji. The text details the history of Japanese gardens with an emphasis on the relationship of gardens and temples, and the significance of gardens and the traditional tea ceremony. Kyoto Gardens is an indispensable reference guide for travelers.