 "The moon seen beyond the katsura branches here, I wonder if they cross each other this way too up there." (Prince Toshihito) |
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[Koshoin / Tsukimidai] Among the three Shoin houses, Koshoin is the oldest and it has Tsukimidai, a moon- viewing balcony facing the pond. Here is the highlight of the Katsura Imperial Villa, which drew its idea from the moon viewing parties in "the Tale of Genji." The Shoin houses are built at 19 degrees south east, the exact angle to catch the chushu no meigetsu, or the harvest moon right in front. Considering that the traditional Japanese architecture would have directed them either due south or due east, we can understand Prince Toshihito's great passion toward moon viewing. He also designed the hill on the other side of the pond not to be too tall, so that viewers might catch the rising moon as early as possible. |