Higashiyama Period

The Higashiyama Period (東山時代) also known as the period of "Higashiyama Culture" or Higashiyama Bunka (東山文化^?), is a segment of Japanese culture originated and promoted in the 15th century by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, after he retired to his villa in the eastern hills (Higashiyama) of Kyoto.

Based largely on the ideals and aesthetics of Zen Buddhism and the concept of wabi-sabi (beauty in simplicity), Higashiyama Bunka centered on the development of chadō (Japanese tea ceremony), ikebana (flower arranging), Noh drama, and sumi-e ink painting. Much of what is commonly seen today as traditional Japanese culture originated or developed in this period. Higashiyama Bunka is often contrasted with Kitayama Bunka (北山文化^?), the "Kitayama Culture" from earlier in the Muromachi period. In this comparison Kinkaku-ji, representative of Kitayama Culture is compared with Ginkaku-ji, representative of Higashiyama Culture.