Visit Japan Web Nijo Castle
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Nijo Castle, built in 1603 by the first Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu. It is an extravagant complex intentionally located near the Imperial Palace as a demonstration of power and to safeguard the Emperor.
Its ornate gilded architectural features sharply contrast the minimalist design of the Imperial Palace, boasting intricate wood carvings, elaborately painted panels, double moats, and a high protective wall. The unique “nightingale” floors served as an ancient security measure, emitting birdlike sounds when walked upon to alert guards of intruders.
The expansive palace complex comprises five primary buildings, each containing numerous chambers showcasing remarkable screen paintings by renowned artists Kano Tanyu and Naonobu. The grounds feature a traditional Japanese landscape garden, an ornamental plum orchard, and vibrant maple trees that transform into brilliant hues during autumn.
The Honmaru and Ninomaru are surrounded by verdant open spaces and tree-lined walking paths. The castle grounds boast a wide variety of cherry trees, with almost 400 late blooming cherry trees in an orchard. With numerous cherry tree varieties, Nijo Castle experiences blooming season from late March through the entire month of April.
In addition to the cherry trees, the castle features a plum orchard that typically blooms from late February to early March, and Seiryuen, a garden with a mixture of Japanese and Western styles created in 1965 for cultural events such as tea ceremonies. The grounds also showcase maple, ginkgo, and other trees that display stunning autumn colors typically during the second half of November.
