Exploring the Majestic Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site in Kyoto

Kyoto is known for its plethora of temples and shrines, yet castles are fewer in number, with Nijo Castle standing out as a World Heritage Site. Built in 1603 from hinoki cypress, it was erected by Tokugawa Ieyasu to protect the Imperial Palace and serve as the shogunate's residence in Kyoto. The castle is renowned for its expansive gardens and moat, reflecting its historic grandeur. Encircled by a moat, Nijo Castle welcomes visitors with the Ninomaru Palace, a complex of six buildings that served as the opulent palace of the Tokugawa shogunate, one of Japan's few remaining palace complexes. The wooden palace floors creak underfoot, even when walking in socks, instilling a sense of reverence. Inside, the castle boasts murals from the prominent Kano school, intricate beam carvings, and ornate metal decorations, rivaling the luxury of a shogun's palace. Photography of these national treasures, however, is not permitted. The castle's centerpiece, the Honmaru Palace, is a 'castle within a castle,' encircled by an inner moat and once used as a royal villa. It has been preserved as a cultural property, showcasing the lifestyle of the imperial family, and was recently renovated. The castle's extensive Japanese garden presents a variety of seasonal landscapes: cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring, crape myrtles in summer, colorful maple leaves in autumn, and peach and plum blossoms against winter snow. In spring and summer evenings, the castle hosts a spectacular light projection event, casting vibrant, dreamlike patterns on the imposing walls—a breathtaking experience not to be missed during a nighttime visit.