This book is about an amazing three-year journey from 1899 to 1902 of a Buddhist monk from Japan making his way into Tibet which was closed to almost all foreigners at the time. The author provides a fascinating view of the culture, society, justice, domestic relations, politics, religion, etc. Kawaguchi a very admirable and knowledgeable figure also provides insight to the politics of Japan, Britain, Russia and the international relationships in Central Asia.