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The Katsura Imperial Villa, Nishikyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan (1615)

Artist/Designer: Japanese

Project Location: Kyoto, Japan

Figure 1: Layout ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 2: Overview ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 3: The Koshoin (Old Shoin Palace) - Layout ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 4: The Koshoin (Old Shoin Palace) - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 5: The Koshoin (Old Shoin Palace) - Interior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 6: The Koshoin (Old Shoin Palace) - Interior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 7: The Koshoin (Old Shoin Palace) - Interior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 8: Chushoin (Middle Shoin Palace) - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 9: Chushoin (Middle Shoin Palace) - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 10: gakki-no-ma - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 11: gakki-no-ma - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 12: Shingoten (New Palace) - Layout ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 13: Shingoten (New Palace) - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 14: Shingoten (New Palace) - Interior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 15: Shingoten (New Palace) - Interior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 16: Shingoten (New Palace) - Interior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 17: Shokintei - Layout ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 18: Shokintei - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 19: Shokintei - Interior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 | Photographer: Bruce Berkow )
Figure 20: Shokintei - Interior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 | Photographer: Bruce Berkow )
Figure 21: Shokintei - Interior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 | Photographer: Bruce Berkow )
Figure 22: Gepparo - Layout ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 23: Gepparo - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 24: Gepparo - Interior ( Photographer: Bruce Berkow )
Figure 25: Gepparo - Interior ( Photographer: Bruce Berkow )
Figure 26: Shoiken - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 27: Shoiken - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 28: Sotokoshikake Waiting Area - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 29: Sotokoshikake Waiting Area - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 30: Shokatei - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 31: Shokatei - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 32: Shokatei - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 33: Onrindou - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 34: Onrindou - Exterior ( Photographer: Bruce Berkow )
Figure 35: Onrindou - Exterior ( Photographer: Bruce Berkow )
Figure 36: Onrindou - Exterior ( Source | Accessed : December 20, 2024 )
Figure 37: Garden ( Photographer: Bruce Berkow )
Figure 38: Garden ( Photographer: Bruce Berkow )
Figure 39: Garden ( Photographer: Bruce Berkow )
Figure 40: Garden ( Photographer: Bruce Berkow )
Figure 41: Garden ( Photographer: Bruce Berkow )

Style/Period(s):
Shoin-zukuri (書院造), Sukiya-zukuri (数寄屋造り)

Primary Material(s):
Wood, Stone, Washi paper, Tatami, Thatch

Function(s):
Government, Religious Building, Residential Structure, Imperial Villa

Related Website(s):

Significant Date(s):
1615

Additional Information:
The Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮, Katsura Rikyū) in Nishikyō-ku, Kyoto, is an iconic Imperial residence renowned for its exquisite traditional Japanese gardens and tea houses. Built in the early 17th century by Prince Toshihito of the Hachijō-no-miya family and expanded by his son Prince Toshitada, the villa spans approximately 69,000 square meters on the west bank of the Katsura River. Its design reflects the refined aesthetic sense of the early Edo period, featuring staggered Shoin buildings, a central pond garden, and four meticulously placed o-chaya (tea houses). Historical records note Prince Toshitada’s direct involvement in the garden’s design, inspired by The Tale of Genji, and the villa served as a space for poetry recitals, moon-viewing, and leisurely boat rides.

The Katsura Imperial Villa seamlessly blends architecture and nature, embodying the Japanese cultural ethos of appreciating seasonal beauty. The use of sliding doors and open verandas creates a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, showcasing harmony with the surrounding landscape. As an Important Cultural Property, the villa stands as a timeless example of Japanese artistry and continues to inspire admiration for its elegant simplicity and integration of design and environment.

Artist:
Unknown

Address:
Katsuramisono, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan

Significant Dates:
Constructed: Initial development began around 1615, with major phases completed in 1620, 1641, and 1662.
Designated World Heritage Site: 1994, as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
Renamed: Officially named "Katsura Imperial Villa" in 1883.
Opened to the Public: First public viewing permitted in 1878.
Major Restoration: Comprehensive repairs conducted during the "Showa Restoration" (1976–1991).

Books in Print / Resources:
・Matsumura, Y., Isozaki, A., Speidel, M., Taut, B., Gropius, W., Tange, K., Dal Co, F., & Ponciroli, V. (2005). Katsura Imperial Villa. Milan: Electa Architecture
・Isozaki, A., & Ponciroli, V. (2011). Katsura: Imperial Villa. London/New York: Phaidon Press
・Horiguchi, S., Harada, J., & Sato, T. (1952). The Katsura Imperial Villa. Tokyo: Mainichi Press

Category:
Imperial Facilities

Tags:
Japanese Interior, Japanese Architecture, Imperial Villa, Wood, Kyoto, Japan

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