Nijo Castle, Kinki, Japan

5GoGo2SlowGo 5:00 PM Feb 19, 2020

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site - not to be missed
Nijo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun (general) of the Edo Period (1603-1867). His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five-story castle keep. We saw what was left of the keep on our walk. Almost 400 years later, in 1994, it officially became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace for a while before being donated to the city and opened up to the public as a historic site. There are English audio guides which are available for rental at a kiosk just inside the gate. With our tickets, we crossed the moat through the Karamon Gate. This was the entrance to the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), where the castle's main attraction, the Ninomaru Palace was located. If you have heard about the "nightingale floors" this is where it all happens. The Ninomaru Palace was the residence and office of the shogun. The palace had multiple separate buildings that were connected with each other by corridors with nightingale floors. What are these? The floors squeaked when stepped upon as a security measure against intruders. There was no way even for a ninja to sneak up without being heard. The palace rooms are tatami mat covered and feature elegantly decorated ceilings and beautifully painted sliding doors (fusuma). This is a great attraction in Kyoto and not to be missed!

4RoadzLessTraveled 5:00 PM Jan 3, 2023

Ancient castle steeped in history
This is an impressive castle, particularly given it is constructed primarily out of timber. Wandering around the castle grounds takes about 40-60 minutes. The main palace is interesting, but to be honest can be a bit repetitive if you have young kids - most of the palace rooms are empty and quite stark.