How did Japanese gardens change during the Momoyama and Edo periods?

During the Momoyama (1574–1600) and Edo (1603–1867) periods, Japanese garden design underwent significant refinements and shifts in focus. While the Muromachi period emphasized gardens as microcosms for contemplation, the subsequent eras saw the center of garden activity gradually shift from Kyoto to Edo, the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate.12

Key developments during these periods include:

• Increased Craftsmanship: Edo-period gardens became increasingly bold and beautiful, though they were more obviously crafted than the tea gardens of the Muromachi period. The hand of the landscaper became more apparent, and nature’s flaws were often deliberately disguised.1
• Utilitarian Integration: Gardens began to incorporate practical functions. For example, some featured duck ponds or spaces for cultivating reeds and plums for military supplies, reflecting the needs of the feudal lords.2
• Architectural Integration: The Katsura Imperial Villa exemplifies the era's focus on integrating architectural innovations with garden design. Meandering paths were used to connect structures, offering orchestrated and allusive views to those moving through the space.1
• Elaboration Styles: The practice of designing in three degrees of elaboration—shin (elaborate), gyo (intermediate), and so (abbreviated)—became a standard approach for garden layouts.2