Architecture: The Design Governor

In 1642, a Japanese daimyo, or feudal lord, named Yorishige Matsudaira rode 350 miles southwest from Tokyo (then Edo) to take over the provincial capital city of Takamatsu on the sunny island of Shikoku. To commemorate his arrival, he called in the finest landscape architects in the land and had them build a magnificent garden, known as Ritsurin Koen, or Forest of Chestnut Trees, that even today draws visitors from all over Japan. When they come, they see in flourishing Takamatsu, now a city of 240,000, many another sight to please the...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!