The Magic of Japanese Zen Gardens

A meditative journey of Kyoto's zen gardens through all four seasons, complemented by enchanting poetry.

A Zen garden is the symbiotic fusion of Japanese philosophy and the art of garden design, a spiritual place of meditation and inner reflection that teaches mindfulness and brings joy to the eyes. If you want to get to know this garden culture, you won't find as many wonderful gems in such a small area anywhere in the world as in Kyoto. Thomas Kierok photographed these unique gardens in all four seasons.

Through encounters with important Zen garden designers, he was able to develop his own photographic perspective inspired by the spirit of Zen. Poems by world-renowned Zen poets Dogen, Basho and Ryokan complement the visual masterpieces. The book is a a meditative journey, a sanctuary for the soul, a retreat between two covers whenever the need for calm, inspiration and grounding arises.

With a prologue by Shunmyo Masuno, best-selling author, garden architect, and professor of garden art at Tama Art University in Tokyo.

About the Author

Since completing his studies at the renowned Lette-Verein in Berlin, Thomas Kierok, born in 1966, has worked as a freelance portrait, person and business photographer. Alongside his photographic assignments, he is also regularly involved in various artistic projects and has produced several books of his own.