This photo book collects together 106 historical townscapes from
throughout Japan designated as Important Preservation Districts for Groups
of Historic Buildings by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Each townscape
has a long historical background and people’s lives continue as they have
for generations cultivated by the local climate. These scenes of “the good
old days” will surely make readers want to depart for a journey to look for
scenes like these.

A photo book collection presenting historical townscapes in Japan. What
has made it possible to preserve such beautiful townscapes up until today
is that local people cherish their hometown with great pride. Regionally
unique townscapes that have been valued by local people will impress the
readers’ heart.

A photo book collection of fantastic night views of the moon and stars
around Mount Fuji. The photos are accompanied by Japanese myths about
Mount Fuji and myths about stars both in the West and the East as well as
traditional Japanese poems (tanka and haiku) and verses from novels. A
brilliant collaboration of photos and Japanese literature.

A photo book collection introducing red brick buildings in Japan. The
architectural technique of building with red bricks was introduced into
Japan at the beginning of the Meiji period (1868-1912). These buildings
tell of the atmosphere in those days while Japan was rapidly modernizing.

IRIE Taikichi (1905-1992) was a distinguished photographer who devoted
himself for over fifty years to capturing the beauty of Nara, the city of his
birth. The book was published as a memorial for the 20th anniversary of
his death. 315 of IRIE’s photos are introduced featuring the scenery of
Nara and Buddhist statues. Every single photo presents the beauty of Nara
and the essence of the spirit of Japan.

A photo book introducing the scenic beauty of Japanese villages. A
mountain village surrounded by lush green, golden rice fields in early
autumn, a port town with classical Japanese houses standing side by side…
This combination of natural scenery and the life of local people in each
place captures the nostalgic spirit of old Japan surrounded by unforgettable
scenic beauty.

A photo book collecting together images of that transient twilight period
between day and night. The sky gradually changes color and the sunset’s
glow turns everything – the ocean, mountains and fields – an incredible
color. The images capture the unique light of this ever-changing magical
time with its mysterious and nostalgic feeling.

A photo book of Japanese nightscapes. The glittering nightscape of large
cities, a starry night sky deep in the countryside, the townscape of the old
capital lit-up – The high quality printing technique makes it possible to
capture the true depth of these night views on paper. Such quiet beauty will
move the reader’s heart.

A leading expert of nightscape photography presents a photo book of
romantic trains at night. Integrated into the backdrops where they run, the
interior lights of trains create unique scenes of the mysterious world of
“trains at night” unlike any readers will have seen before.

A unique photo book featuring old school buildings in Japan including ones
that lie abandoned and those built with wood that still welcome children
every day. Readers will feel the nostalgia of childhood days while flipping
through the pages.

Cherry blossoms are a symbol of spring in Japan but in reality cherries are
in blossom most of the year somewhere in Japan: one kind of cherry starts
to blossom in late January in Okinawa while other types show off their
lovely flowers in late November together with the colored autumn leaves.
This photo book presents a variety of cherry trees in full blossom from
all around Japan. With the clear blue sky as a backdrop, in the evening
twilight, and during nighttime light-ups, readers can enjoy the diverse range
of cherry blossom colors.

A photo book collection of wild flower fields and mountain flower scenery.
Every page overflows with vibrantly colored flowerscapes that are sure to
mesmerize readers and touch their heart.

A photo book consisting of breathtaking autumn scenes in Japan: crimson
colored leaves adorning the surrounding mountains, mushrooms springing
out of fields, mountain tops floating above a sea of clouds and more…

A photo book presenting incredible moments featuring astronomical
bodies such as the moon, stars and sun, integrated with scenery on earth –
the moon overlaps with trees and buildings on the ground, the setting sun
dyes everything in vivid orange, a starry sky sparkling above the neon of
large cities and more. The super-popular series of columns in the Sankei
Shimbun Newspaper gathered together in a single volume.

A photo book featuring historical roads: Seventy-eight of the roads were
selected from “The 100 Best Historical Roads” listed by the Agency for
Cultural Affairs along with nine others. Some examples are arterial roads
such as the Tokaido and Nakasendo roads, religious roads for worshippers
to reach temples and shrines, roads that were developed as industries
prospered, and ancient stone-paved roads with their historical atmosphere.
Flipping through the pages will allow readers to imagine the daily lives of
people who have passed along these roads.

A photo book collection of idyllic and peaceful Japanese villages and fields
– scenery that represents the soul of Japan that we must hand down to the
future generations.

A photo book full of the beautiful seasonal beauty of Japan. Red and
yellow fields in spring, verdant green forests in early summer, the deep blue
ocean and sky in summer, golden yellow rice fields in autumn, the shining
silver rice ears in late autumn, and severe winters with their blanket of
perfect white snow. The variety of natural scenes and colors portrayed in
this collection will surely inspire and energize readers.

A photo book collection featuring a diverse variety of bridges throughout
Japan. From simple and old wood and suspension bridges to modern iron
ones, the different roles that bridges play in people’s lives are introduced.

A photo book of moonlight scenes. A perfect full moon in the middle of
the night, the pale moon just before dawn and the thin crescent at twilight
– these photos will make people want to look up the sky and enjoy the
moon’s magic with their own eyes and then, fascinated by its grace, flip
through the pages again and again.

Waves come and go restlessly and exhibit different expressions depending
on the weather and time. This photo book presents the diverse faces of
beaches and coastlines in Japan including peaceful beaches with gentle
curves, roaring winter coastlines and the ocean shining like emeralds.

Koyasan Mountain is the world-famous location of the headquarters of
Shingon Esoteric Buddhism founded by Kukai (774-835). This collection
features photos of Koyasan taken by a photographer who was born and
grew up there. The serene mountain covered with snow, a mysterious and
gorgeous rainbow arching the sky across after the rain and Buddhist priests
processing through the forest – These photos are a testament to why this
sacred mountaintop was chosen as a holy ground for the sect.

A photo book featuring traditional residential houses all the way from
Hokkaido in the far north to Okinawa in the far south. Houses reflect
the impact and needs of the local climate and culture and these photos
introduce how they have evolved as a consequence. Some houses that have
gone through long years up until today, which have often included severe
environments, exhibit their strength while others portray the style of the
inhabitant’s family business.

A photo book collection of nostalgic old station buildings in Japan including
the retro-styles of Tokyo Station, Nijo Station in Kyoto and Mojiko Station
in Yamaguchi. These images of old and attractive stations will fill readers
with nostalgia even if they are seeing them for the first time.

Photos of the moon combined with literary excerpts truly create a
fascinating book. The photos are matched with a variety of literature
forms such as classical poems, songs, Chinese songs, fairy tales and short
novels… These excerpts praising its loveliness deepen even further the
moon’s mysterious beauty.

A photo book featuring traditional Japanese townscapes where samurai
residences prospered in the castle precincts, merchant towns where rows of
machiya townhouses stand, towns with traditional accommodation along the
old arterial roads and classical thatched roof houses set in heavy snowfall
areas. These traditional townscapes will create a sense of nostalgia in
readers’ hearts.

A photo book collecting together atmospheric scenes of traditional Japanese
residences and small towns and villages, mainly with thatched roof
houses. The book evolved from the ardent wish of Japan Nature Scenery
Photograph Association members to make a photo book of such unique
scenery while it still remains. Eighty-eight images of Japanese residences
were strictly selected from about 750 photos.

A photo book of exceptional Japanese gardens. Representing the spirit of
Japan, Japanese gardens have developed in their own unique way. Gardens
created in various eras’ incorporate different designs and structures. Some
symbolize Zen philosophy in a dry landscape garden and others commissioned
by samurai lords are gorgeously designed and vast. A garden represents
a fusion of Japanese art and philosophy. Great examples of seventy-eight
gardens in Japan excluding those in Kyoto include those designated as
National Scenic Beauty Sites and National Special Scenic Beauty Sites.

Ninety pagodas throughout Japan, including some National Treasures and
Important Cultural Heritages, are introduced in this photo book and are
accompanied with brief instruction and access information. Japan’s top
three pagodas (the five-story pagodas of Horyu-ji Temple, Ruriko-ji Temple
and Daigo-ji Temple) are also included. The dignified architectural beauty
of pagodas will fascinate readers.