Bøker av John Dougill

This book presents a true journey into the heart of the Kyoto experience--one which brings you deep into the world of Kyoto's ancient Zen Buddhist culture. Kyoto's Zen heritage represents one of mankind's greatest achievements--recognized by the large number of temples, shrines and gardens which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Millions of visitors travel to Kyoto yearly in search of their secrets, and here for the first time is a comprehensive overview of each major site. Over 50 temples and gardens--including all World Heritage Sites--are captured here in sensitive photos by acclaimed Kyoto-based photographer John Einarsen. A detailed introduction to each temple by local expert John Dougill includes information about special opportunities for visitors--such as early morning meditation sessions, temple food offerings and special green tea sets provided to enhance the contemplative experience--along with other "insider" information that no other guide provides. A preface by Rev Takafumi Kawakami, the deputy head priest of the Shunkoin Temple in Kyoto, serves to place the book within the context of eastern and western Buddhist thought and practice. His widely viewed TED Talk "How mindfulness can help you to live in the present" has been viewed by over 100,000 people.

2023 FOREWORD INDIES BOOK OF THE YEAR GOLD WINNER FOR TRAVELObservations on the people, culture, and history of Japan from along-time resident riding the rails along the less-traveled westerncoastline.This journey the length of Japan takes the reader off the beaten tracks to explore some of the country's remoter regions along the Japan Sea-from Wakkanai in northern Hokkaido to Ibusuki in southern Kyushu?in a fascinating mix of travelogue, anecdote, and personal memoir. At each of the thirty stops along the journey the author, who has lived in Japan for thirty years, goes in quest of the spirit of place, determined to highlight what makes it special. Mixing comments on landscape and culture, the author was inspired by Alan Booth and Donald Richie and brings a contemporary perspective to his writing. The text provides some practical information on travel by rail and railway lines, but goes into far more depth and personal observation than a conventional guidebook for tourists.

Kyoto's top sights brought to life through the evocative words of long-term resident John Dougill and the stunning photography of Patrick Hochner. Kyoto is the birthplace of Japanese culture-a fact that is evident in every corner of the city. Japan's ancient capital is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the famous Golden Pavilion

"e;It's a nice tome for armchair travel, whisking you off around the country from where you sitor time travel, taking you back to that life-changing decade-lost holiday and old friends."e;The Japan TimesVisit the most compelling cultural and nature sites in all of Japan with this beautifully photographed travel guide.In Japan's World Heritage Sites, readers are introduced to the temples, gardens, castles and natural wonders for which Japan is so justly renownedall of those now declared to be Unesco World Heritage Sites. Author John Dougill describes each site in detail, stating why they were singled out by Unesco, the current number and types of sites, the application process, how the sites have been selected, and how difficult it is to be given the special status of a World Heritage Site.Dougill traveled to all of the sites in Japan to research this book. Because the Japanese archipelago extends from Siberia all the way down to Taiwan, Dougill describes how his journey led him from the sub-Arctic to the sub-tropical zones. These are without a doubt the most interesting sites that Japan has to offer, including the following: Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest and most sacred volcano. Located on Honshu Island near Tokyo, Mt. Fuji is considered the sacred symbol of Japan Himeji Castle, a monument from Japan's long feudal history. Also known as Egret Castle, because it looks like a bird taking off in flight. Horyu-ji Temple, the world's oldest surviving wooden structurea center of Buddhist learning that still serves as a seminary and monastery Hiroshima Peace Memorial or Atomic-Bomb Domeone of the few structures to partially survive the atomic blast in 1945 The Ogasawara Islands, a remote archipelago of over 30 islandsincluding Iwo Jimathat is home to rare wildlife and spectacular scenery Readers will learn how Japan first became involved with the World Heritage Sites program back in 1993, the importance of these designations, and their popularity in Japan, where they are visited by millions of people annually, both Japanese and foreigners.

The story of Japan's hidden Christians is the subject of a major new film directed by Martin Scorsese (due for release late 2016), based on Shusaku Endo's famous novel, Silence

A cultural and literary history of Japan's former capital, exploring its religious sites, rich traditions of art and literature and its distinctive geisha heritage.