Nijo castle was originally built in 1603 as the residence of the first Tokugawa Shogun, Ieyasu. It was completed in 1626 by the third Shogun, Iemitsu. The shogun title was the equivalent of a military general rank. Here a father eagerly takes pictures of his family at the entrance to the main hall.
A map of the compound.
Nijo Castle is a fine example of architecture from the early Edo period, with lavish painting and carvings. A European lady in front of me asked her boyfriend as we walked past many rooms empty except for fancy illustrated screens, "Where did the furniture go? Did they take it away?" I was amused by the question.I imagine there was not a lot of furniture needed historically.
There is a room depicting with costumed wax figures the scene in 1867 when the fifteenth Tokugawa Shogoun summoned the country's feudal lords and declared that sovereingty would be restored to the Emperor. 270 years of Tokugawa military rule came to an end then. It became property of the Imperial family, who donated it to the city and renamed it Nijo Castle. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Buildings located within the inner moat.
View of the compound from a corner tower.
The inner moat.
Gardens surrounding the castle.
A tea house.
An interesting tree. On the way back to the hotel, I stopped by Gion and then as I walked to the train station caught a glimpse of the Yasaka Pagoda. It looked beautiful in the sunset light.
2 comments:
Nijo as well !!!! how did you manage it all Arturo, was it a tour or were you using taxis? Nijo is beautiful in April with the cherry blossom.
Dear Grimmly
I learned to use the bus system, so it was easy to get around quickly. This was the last evening in Kyoto. The next morning I visited Inari temple before returning to Tokyo. That will be on the next posts.
Cheers,
Arturo
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