What is Japanese beauty? The Katsura Rikyu shows us its essence. The Japanese aesthetic imbues every turn in the grounds. The buildings reveal each season. The garden lays out the trees, rocks, and water in subtle designs. Even the main terrace was designed to give a direct view of the full moon during harvest season. This palace was built in Kyoto in the 17th century as a villa for an aristocratic family. Losing their political power to the samurai, the aristocrats built their palaces with great attention to craftsmanship to show in the realm of culture, their glory. High- definition cameras gain entrance for the first time to the furthest recesses of the buildings and grounds.