Before you visit the gardens in Kyoto, this is a wonderful introduction. Luminous illustrations and haiku descriptions reveal the elements of a Japanese garden – pagodas, carved temple dogs, birds and bonsai, lotus flowers and koi, stone lanterns to light the way.
(Picture book)

In another mystery-adventure, young samurai Seiki arrives in Kyoto on a mission for the Shogun – convince teenage emperor Yasuhito to return to his duties. When the emperor is kidnapped, Seiki is disgraced, but he sets out to find an ancient scroll, and discover the secret of the Kusanagi, true sword of the emperors. (Chapter book)

Kazunomiya, a princess in the Kyoto Palace of Heaven, is betrothed to Prince Arisugawa, but her brother, the Emperor, has other ideas. She dutifully attends cherry blossom viewings with the court and wears six layers of kimono, but even secret meetings with Arisugawa can't change her destiny. (Chapter book)

12th century Japan, Heiankyo (Kyoto). A nameless orphan, Muna, comes to Kyoto to look for his father. Action-packed tale of Muna, and a roguish samurai and master swordsmith, set amidst a struggle of rival clans in the Capital of Eternal Peace. (Chapter book)