The City of Kodama

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If you're looking for a visual idea of what Kodama looks like, here's a few references.
http://wanbao.deviantart.com/art/old-city-127609149
http://wanski.deviantart.com/art/Japanese-Town-54841269
http://wallpapers.pixxp.com/12__Tree_City.htm
http://www.scrollsoflore.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=84&pos=0



LEISURE BRANCH

The Leisure Branch is the largest area of Kodama, where the outcaste and low class people live. Despite this it is an attraction to those with spare coin. Entertainment can be found around every corner, from concubine houses to pit fighting tournaments. There is a vast amount of residences filling every inch of space, from bamboo huts to finely built estates.

Jade Dragon Inn

The Jade Dragon Inn is a popular gathering place among travelers and locals alike, providing fine food, strong drink, comfortable lodgings. On special occasions entertainers may be hired to perform music or theater. Gambling and prostitution are not uncommon in the secluded dens, though these illegal practices are mostly ignored. The Inn is run by the Baikahana family, now under the leadership of Ichiro Baikahana. The kitchen is always stocked in fresh seafood and rice, also keeping a large supply of sake and plum wine on hand. The lodgings provided vary from small rooms with little more than a straw mat on the floor, up to finely marbled suites. The Jade Dragon has also come to be known derogatorily as "The Rusty Wok", due to the large frying pan hung lovingly above the kitchen door.


MARKET BRANCH

The Market Branch is an averagely sized area, with more open space to serve the general public with a place to set up shop for work and trade. Permanent buildings are set around the perimeters of circle areas, and include smithies and stables amongst other businesses. Only merchants and artisans live in this area, often taking residence in their place of work.

Bazaar

The Bazaar is made up of a collection of open-air shops and local businesses, primarily open from morning to early evening, though some shops make an exception. The wares sold vary greatly; on a good day, virtually anything may be found for purchase in the street shops. Most merchants obey lawful guidelines and refrain from selling forbidden goods, but some black-market items can be found by persistent and discerning inquiries.


GARDEN BRANCH

The Garden Branch is a large area, with wide open pastures and forested areas. The farmer cast resides in this area on government-granted homesteads, providing Kodama with foodstuffs, hand grown goods, and livestock. The people here are hard working and averagely wealthy, though some contest each other over land rights.

Arboretum

This large plot of land serves as a public park and garden, with carefully tended plants and trees from all corners of the world. This area is the entryway to the Garden Branch, and is open to all, serving as a show of Kodama's greatness. Many wild creatures have been brought into the woods, and having grown accustomed to the visitors and often seek them out for scraps of food. The various koi ponds, connected by small streams and crossed by small bridges, are a major attraction. This place is used primarily as a place for artistic reflection and social interaction, and often serves as festival grounds. However, traveling off the main paths and roadways is not recommended, as more dangerous beasts make the deep woods their home.


ROYAL BRANCH

The Royal Branch is the smallest area in Kodama, but also the most exclusive. The area serves as home and training grounds to the Samurai and other members of the gentry. The Royal Branch is well-guarded, and most areas are restricted to the lower class. The Royal Palace may be found here as well, but it's gates have been barred to all but the most important visitors.Those who wish to meet with the Regent, Shogun Renjiro Teiji, must often schedule appointments months in advance.

Sazanami Dojo

The Sazanami Dojo is the only open area of the Royal Branch which allows access to lower classes and foreigners. The Sazanami Dojo, or "Water's Ripple Temple," is a place of both quiet reflection and the practice of martial art. There are three shrine buildings here, one of which has no walls. The Sazanami Monks meditate here at the edge of reflecting pools, seeking inner peace and wisdom. Monks and other martial artists learn the arts of self-defense upon the designated Tatami mats. Due to the wide expanse of the area and the mutual respect of practitioners, there is surprisingly little distraction.