Autumn Colors of Kyoto

Book excerpt: Why are the autumn colors of Kyoto described as the most beautiful in Japan? The delicate, almost translucent autumn hues, which derive from the city's unique plant life and climate, are undoubtedly lovely to behold, but clearly that is not the only reason. The secret of Kyoto's autumn beauty lies in a perfect harmony of the natural and the man-made, the culmination of centuries of history. This book introduces 49 magnificent Kyoto locations—predominantly temples and shrines—ideal for viewing the season’s fiery displays. The scenes are elegantly captured by three photographers who have devoted their lives to conveying the beauty of this remarkable city through the camera lens. In these pages, readers will soon note that far from being consigned to history, Kyoto’s ancient places of worship are assiduously maintained as centers for present-day religious devotions. The ideal, seamless coexistence of these quintessential Kyoto landmarks and their surroundings is another secret of Kyoto's seasonal beauty, and the key to the city’s position as Japan's cultural capital for over 1,200 years. A bilingual map section provides address information and contact details for each location.