The production of paintings depicting scenes in and around Kyoto, the ancient capital, increased during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, commissioned by feudal lords and statesmen. Rakuchu rakugai zu not only present an accurate, almost photographic, overview of the capital but also reflect something of the political atmosphere in the ancient city in the period just prior to the stability of the Tokugawa regime. A scene from the imperial court dominates the two panels on the left side of the screen, and a second screen, originally paired with this screen but now missing, probably included a view of the Nijo palace of the Tokugawa family.

All of Kyoto’s famous sites, important monuments, festivals and events are arranged from south/right to north/left along the Kamo river and are seen through golden clouds. This screen presents a view of the eastern section of Kyoto and suburban areas, and depicts, among others, the Shijogawara entertainment district; the Gion Festival in the metropolitan district; temples on the East Hills, including the famous Kiyomizudera; and the Kamo Shrine in the upper section of the leftmost panel.