Kyoto, 29 Historic Walks in Japan's Ancient Capital - by John H Martin & Phyllis G Martin (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

"The book that out-temples all the rest...the essence of Kyoto." --Kansai Time Out Magazine

"What distinguishes this title from many others purporting to be the last word on the subject is its highly detailed content, reflecting a rare cultural depth and appreciation of subject." --The Japan Times

Explore the rich culture and history of Kyoto's historic districts and sites -- on foot!

Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto is one of the world's most beautiful and historic cities. Founded nearly 1,300 years ago, Kyoto is today home to over 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines and 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the famed Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple. To experience the essence of Kyoto, you must walk its streets and avenues, its ancient alleys and byways. Only then can you appreciate the true spirit of the place, with its juxtaposition of traditional and modern townhouses, shops, gardens, temples and shrines.

This book presents 29 easy-to-follow walking tours through Kyoto's unique districts full of charm and character. You'll discover not only the dozens of iconic sites--such as the Silver Pavilion, the Ryoan-ji rock garden and the Heian Shrine--but many little-known places off the beaten track. Much more than a guidebook, this volume explains the history and culture of Kyoto through its monuments. Authors John and Phyllis Martin tell these colorful tales passionately with larger-than-life characters and grand events that have shaped the city.

This new expanded edition features over 180 color photos and 49 full-color maps that trace each route. It is absolutely packed with invaluable information including QR codes that load the walks into Google Maps on your smart phone! Fully updated and revised, this is the most complete guide to Kyoto available!

Review Quotes

"...this exhaustively researched book will be an invaluable field guide for any visitor seeking the essentials of [Kyoto's] multi-layered heritage. Meanwhile, it has all the alluring attributes a present resident--or a Covid- era armchair traveler--could ask for, down to a painstakingly-detailed massive fold-out map (bonus coverage: Nara and Osaka), tucked conveniently into a back cover pocket." --Kyoto Journal

"More than 100 color photos and 40 full-color guide maps and diagrams of individual sites make this an indispensable guide. Each walk comes with a huge amount of detail and background information. The beauty of the photos makes this almost coffee-table book like in its quality. Yet, it is small enough to carry around." --Japan Visitor

"The book that out-temples all the rest; the essence of Kyoto" --Kansai Time Out

"What distinguishes this title from many others purporting to be the last word on the subject is its highly detailed content, reflecting a rare cultural depth and appreciation of subject." --Stephen Mansfield, The Japan Times

About the Author

John H. Martin was a professor of Chinese and Japanese Civilization at the University of Richmond, where he taught courses in Japanese history, religion, and culture at several colleges in New York State. Dr. Martin and his wife, Phyllis G. Martin, have been museum directors in New York and have traveled extensively in Japan and elsewhere. Their Tokyo: 29 Historic Walks in the World's Most Exciting City is also available from Tuttle.

Lewis Miesen is a writer and editor based in Kyoto. He works on projects exploring the city's history, art, and community life, with a focus on connecting cultures through engaging and accessible storytelling.