Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle (二条城, Nijōjō), built in 1603, served as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. Later expanded by his grandson, Tokugawa Iemitsu, the complex once included a five-story keep that was destroyed by fire in the 18th century. Despite this, many original palace structures remain, showcasing the power and refinement of the shogunate. In 1994, Nijo Castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding feudal architecture. The expansive grounds are divided into three main areas: the inner citadel (Honmaru), the secondary circle of defense (Ninomaru), and beautifully maintained gardens, all enclosed by impressive stone walls and moats.

A highlight for visitors is the Ninomaru Palace, famous for its "nightingale floors" that chirp underfoot to alert guards of intruders. The palace's lavish interiors include elaborately painted fusuma sliding doors, richly decorated ceilings, and spacious audience chambers once used for official shogunate affairs. The adjacent Ninomaru Garden, designed in the traditional Japanese landscape style, offers scenic views year-round. In spring, hundreds of cherry trees within the castle grounds burst into bloom, creating a picturesque setting for seasonal strolls and hanami picnics.