Changes in Land Subdivision
Urban zoning has changed the layout of Kyoto Gyoen and has led to the construction of new buildings. Fortunately, an archaeological survey conducted from 1997 to 2002, in advance of the construction of the new State Guest House (Geihinkan), uncovered many fascinating artifacts that date back as far as the Heian Period.
The discoveries span the entire period of this site’s use as the court noble’s residential area. Archaeological evidence indicates that the district was fully formed by around 1610. After the great fire of 1708, a redistricting plan governed new constructions in the area. Roads were widened and many homes moved further away from the Imperial Palace as a fire prevention measure.
Excavation site
Overview of site
Sub-division in mid-Edo Period
Sub-division in late-Edo Period
Objects unearthed at site of Takatsukasa Residence
The Takatsukasa lineage belonged to one of the five regent houses that had separated from the Konoe family in the Kamakura period. Excavations in the area of the family residence uncovered many ceramic artifacts, including small roof tiles decorated with the imperial chrysanthemum crest.
Artifacts discovered during excavation ahead of the construction of State Guest House. Most of these Edo-period objects are related to the court noble’s residential areas.