The Lure of the Japanese Garden takes you on a tour of 120 gardens across Japan, covering a broader geographical spread than any other book available in English or Japanese.

Along the way Alison Main and Newell Platten describe not only the garden’s physical aspects, but also the historical, symbolic, religious and meditative meanings, purposes and allusions embodied in them. Essays offer personal and amusing insights into the authors’ travels in Japan and maps and comprehensive directions show the reader how to visit each garden. There are also beautiful colour photographs throughout.