Nijo Castle

On my second free day I decided to visit Nijo Castle.

This amazing place was the seat of the feudal shogun government from the early 1600s The main palace building itself is an impressive massive timber structure. We had to remove our shoes in order to walk around the interior of this building (and taking photos was not permitted), but it was quite remarkable in its simple grandeur and mural-covered walls.

The buildings are set in impressively landscaped gardens (and it seems odd to describe the trees as like full-size bonsai, but that’s what crossed my mind). I think I need a lake and boulders for my own humble abode!

There are actually two moats around the complex, and the place is further defended by giant carp in the green waters (which I didn’t capture well photographically).

In short a most impressive area, and well worth the visit.