Edo Period
KATSURA RIKYU -- This "detached palace" (rikyu) and its surrounding gardens, built around 1620, was the country villa of the imperial princely family Hachijo no Miya. Architects throughout the world have long admired the main building which is surrounded by gardens and groves of bamboos and other trees, in which paths lead to rustic pavilions and teahouses. In the center of the garden, there is a large artificial pond with some islands. The total area of the grounds is about 70,000 square meters.
SHUGAKUIN RIKYU -- This "detached palace" (rikyu), located in the foothills of Mt. Hiei in the northeast part of Kyoto, was planned in 1659 as an imperial family retreat. It has three garden areas at different levels along the hillside, separated and surrounded by rice fields. Teahouses in the garden areas are built in the sukiya-zukuri style and are placed next to ponds. The paths leading between the teahouses pass various points of interest, giving rise to the term kaiyu-shiki teien (walk-about garden). The total area of the grounds is about 555,000 square meters.
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