Nijo Castle

Authority of the Tokugawa Shogunate

Nijo Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603 as a Kyoto base, and is also the place where Tokugawa Yoshinobu declared the Restoration of Imperial Rule in 1867. It is a historic castle deeply connected to both the beginning and end of the Edo shogunate that lasted over 260 years.

Ninomaru Palace and Nightingale Floors

The corridors of the National Treasure-designated Ninomaru Palace are famous for their "nightingale floors (uguisubari)" that make sounds like a nightingale's song when walked on. Said to be a security device to prevent ninja infiltration.

Gorgeous Folding Screen Paintings

Numerous magnificent screen paintings by the Kano school remain in the palace, over 3,600 panels. Pine, bamboo, plum, and hawks were painted to demonstrate the shogun's authority, conveying the essence of Azuchi-Momoyama culture.

World Heritage Garden

The Ninomaru Garden is a dignified shoin-style garden used by the shogunate. Beautiful seasonal plantings are charming, with the winter snow garden particularly exceptional.