Taiheikaku is one of the most important buildings in Heian Jingu Shrine and serves as the focal point of the East Garden. Taiheikaku is a bridge over a stream that flows through the shrine garden, providing a venue for visitors to appreciate the beauty of the Japanese garden. The building's design is modeled after the aristocratic residences and garden culture of the Heian period, and is characterized by its elegant appearance. The roof is made of hiwadabuki (cypress bark), accentuating the elegance of the wooden architecture. Part of Taiheikaku is a pavilion overlooking a pond, from which visitors can enjoy the seasonal beauty of the garden. Tojinen Garden, where Taiheikaku is located, is closely associated with the founding of Heian Shrine. Heian Jingu Shrine was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo. The shrine was built to honor Emperor Kammu, the founder of the Heian-kyo capital, and has since served as a modern-day shrine to the culture and aesthetics of the Heian period. Taiheikaku was built as part of this shrine garden by Jihei Ogawa (Ueji), a garden designer of the Meiji period, and is characterized by its unique style that emphasizes harmony with nature. Historically, Taiheikaku did not exist at the time of Heian Jingu's founding, but was added in later years as part of the expansion and maintenance of the shrine garden. Nevertheless, the structure faithfully recreates the garden culture of the time and continues to attract many visitors and worshippers to this day. More than just a bridge connecting gardens, Taiheikaku embodies the aesthetics of “looking” in a Japanese garden. The tranquil atmosphere allows visitors to experience the harmony of history and nature, and it is highly regarded as one of Kyoto's most popular tourist attractions.