Kyoto Imperial Palace & Gardens

Imperial Palace Gardens.  The Oikeniwa garden is designed for strolling and different views may be enjoyed from various angles along the path encircling the pond. The pond represents the sea with a suhama pebble beach.  The Gonaitei is the Emperor’s private garden; a stream flows through the garden and at the bottom right of the garden sits a teahouse called the Kintai.  The Shusuitei, tearoom of the aristocratic Kujo Family, was built approximately 200 years ago.  The house used to be much larger but was pulled down and now only the room with a garden is left.  At present, the Ministry of Environment cares for the house and garden.