A sense of calm fills Kyoto, set in the western part of Honshu in the Kansai region. From gardens to temples, from cherry blossom trees to wooden buildings, the natural beauty of Kyoto always stands out. This calm mood also comes through in the food, which keeps things simple and focuses on pure flavor and top quality ingredients.

The lively side of Kyoto comes through during Gion Matsuri, one of Japans biggest festivals. The parades of tall floats, called yamaboko, act like moving art shows, showing off local craftwork. The same focus on detail shows in Japanese design. While the festivals are bright and bold, the day to day style is more quiet and simple, letting the materials speak for themselves and giving a break from the buzz of the city.

Through the pages of this travel coffee table book, Japanese culture comes to life, showing long held traditions like geishas, tea ceremonies, and flower art.