ANCIENT TEMPLES IN JAPAN Ken Domon

Following the 2020 release of Pilgrimage to Buddha Statues, Seisodo presents a newly edited volume of Ken Domon’s legendary work. While the previous book focused on Buddhist iconography, Ancient Temples of Japan turns its lens toward the architecture and environment of 25 sacred sites. This curated collection of 170 photographs features temple halls, pagodas, gardens, sacred precincts, and stone carvings. Among the works are 11 World Heritage sites, 40 National Treasures, and 17 Important Cultural Properties, including many scenes rarely opened to the public.

Carrying the spirit of its predecessor, the book begins with Muro-ji, a temple long revered as a sanctuary rising from deep greenery. It guides the reader through the colonnades of Horyu-ji—the world’s oldest wooden structure with over 1,300 years of history—the eaves of the Yakushi-ji East Pagoda, and the moss gardens of Saiho-ji, which profoundly influenced Japanese landscaping. From the colorful Ryokai Mandala of To-ji to the Taian teahouse and the intricate mother-of-pearl inlay of Chuson-ji’s Golden Hall, these structures embody a simple yet solemn beauty. They are not only monuments of endurance but also reflections of the craftsmanship, aesthetics, and boundless patience of ancient artisans. Through Ken Domon’s masterful compositions, the essence of these temples is revealed alongside the profound sensibility of one of Japan’s greatest photographers.