World heritage site "Nijo Castle (NIJO-JO)"

●Map of Nijo Castle

Quote：from Nijo Castle Official site／http://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/bunshi/nijojo/map/index.html

【List of National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties in Nijo Castle】

●National Treasure and Important Cultural Properties：

・Ninomaru Palace (Ninomaru-Goten)

Yoshihide Itoさん(@yoshihideito427)が投稿した写真 - 2016 12月 11 4:49午前 PST

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The photo shows the "Ninomaru Palace."

●Important Cultural Property：

・Honmaru Palace (Honmaru Goten)
・Great East Gate (Higashi Ote Mon)
・Great North Gate (Kita Ote Mon)
・West Gate (Nishi Mon)
・Yagura Mon
・Naruko Mon
・Momoyama Mon
・Kita Nakajikiri Mon
・Minami Nakajikiri Mon
・Tonan Sumi Yagura
・Seinaii Sumi Yagura
・Dozo ※Ninomaru Palace Daidokoro Kita
・Hokkusei Dogu
・Nansei Dogu
・Tonan Sumiyagura Hoppou Monheki

【Gardens of Nijo Castle 】

・Ninomaru Garden (Ninoaru Teien)
・Honmaru Garden (Honmaru Teien)
・Seiryu-en

●What is the history of "Nijo Castle" that strongly relates to Tokugawa Shogunate?

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ひ と みさん(@x_hitomi_x)が投稿した写真 - 2014 3月 27 9:34午後 PDT

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"Nijo Castle" is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto and it is featured in every traveler's guide book.
If you have visited Kyoto already, many of you may have visited Nijo Castle.

"Nijo Castle" has so much to do with "Tokugawa Shogunate," where the castle played the setting for the beginning and the end of the Edo period. Here is the introduction of the history.

It is told that the feudal lords (daimyo) in the nation were ordered by the first shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu to build the castle for the protection of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and for Shogun's accomdation for the time of his stay in Kyoto.

The same year, Tokugawa Ieyasu held the celebration of becoming a shogun at the Ninomaru Palace and the Edo Shogunate was born.
Also, in 1613 and 1614, when "Osaka Natsu-no-Jin (Summer Seige of Osaka) " and "Fuyu-no-Jin (Winter Seige)," took place, Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu departed from this "Nijo Castle."

At first, "Nijo Castle" had only Ninomaru Palace and a tower, but at the time of the third Shogun "Tokugawa Iemitsu," there was a extensive renovation when Honmaru Palace and the castle tower were renovated and this was when the castle was established as it is today.

After the third Shogun "Tokugawa Iemitsu," there was no Shogun who visited "Nijo Castle," the gardens were not maintained, and Honmaru Palace and the Castle Tower were burned down due to lightnings and fire.

The Honmaru Palace was reconstructed in Meiji Period by dismantling Kyu-Katsuranomiyatei from Kyoto Gyoen.

In 1867, the 15th Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu returned the throne to Emperor (Taisei Hokan) at the "Ninomaru Palace" in "Nijo Castle," which ended Tokugawa Shogunate's Edo period that lasted for about 260 years.

After a while, Nijo Castle became the property of Kyoto prefecture, later under the military rule, then under the rule of Imperial Household Dept when it was called "Nijo Rikyu."
Today, "Nijo Castle" is owned by Kyoto city and it was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994.

As you can see, "Nijo Castle" witnessed the beginning and the end of Edo period.
How about visiting the castle thinking about its historical significance?

●Highlights of World Heritage Site "Nijo Castle"

In Kyoto, there are many famous temples and shrines that are named World Heritage Site.
Kiyomizu Temple、Kamigamo Shrine、Shimogamo Shrine、Kinkaku Temple、Ginkaku Temple、Ninna Temple、Byodoin Hohohdo、Daigo Temple, Ryuan Temple, to name some of them. As you can see, the famous temples and shrines that we see on TV and magazines are registered as World Heritage Sites. "Nijo Castle" is one of them.

In the Castle groud, there are many historical structures that are registered as Important Cultural Properties and National Treasures.
Here are the highlights of such amazing "Nijo Castle."

The most valuable place to see: National Treasure "Ninomaru Palace"

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maroさん(@maro__3)が投稿した写真 - 2016 8月 10 8:26午前 PDT

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First highlight of Nijo Castle is "Ninomaru Palace" which is registered as a National Treasure and an Important Cultural Property.

The first attractive spot of this Ninomaru Palace is "Kurumayose (carriage porch)" with its gorgeous embelishments. Ninomaru Palace is a representative sturucture of "Buke-fu Shoin-zukuri (traditional Samurai-style architecture)," and next to the "Kurmayose," is the largest room "Tosaburai" and the five rooms listed below are next to another: "Shikidai," "Chokushinoma," "Ohiroma," "Kuroshoin," "Shiroshoin."

In this Ninomaru Palace, the 15th Shogun Tokkugawa Yoshinobu gave up the throne, returning it to Emperor.

There is a floor that makes sound when we walk, sounding just like the tweeting of a Japanese bird "Uguisu." It is called the floor of "Uguisu-bari." The floor was constructed with special clamps so that the floor would bounce to make sounds when someone steps on it.

In all the rooms except for "Shiroshoin," you can see the gorgeous paintings with gold leaves on the room partitions which are the must-see.

These pictures are the creations by "Kano-ha" group of artists, whose leader was "Kano Tanyu." These Pictures are registered as the Important Cultural Property of the nation.

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Gorgeously built 'Kurumayose." is the entrance of Ninomaru Palace.

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The floor of "Uguisu-Bari"

Highlight #2 "Kara Mon"

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"Kara Mon" located at the entrance of Ninomaru Palace is the official gate of Ninomaru Palace.

The gorgeous and luxurious gate was completed during the great renovation of Nijo Castle that took place betoween 1624 and 1626. On the south side, there are colorful carvings of Botan flower, Butterfly, Crane, Yamato Matsu, Turtle, Dragon Tiger, and on the North side, Botan flower, Butterfly, Saint on a tuttle, Chinese peacock,and Dragon.

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South side of "Kara Mon."

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North Side of "Kara Mon."

Highlight #3 "Honmaru Palace"

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The Honmaru Palace was originally as grand as Ninomaru Palace, but it burnt down during the big fire of Tenmei.

The present Palace was built between 1893-1894, transferring the Kyu-Katuranomiyatei from other location, and it is registered as an Important Cultural Property. In the Palace, there are entrance, Otsune-goten, Goshoin, Kitchen, and Gan-no-ma.

Highlight #4 "Ninomaru Garden"

It is told that Kobori Enshu built Ninomaru Garden in 1602-1603 and it is named a Special Site of the nation.

The garden can be viewed from three places; Gyouko Goten, O-Hiroma, and Kuroshoin. The Turtle Island and the Crane Island in the pond are said to be viewed as turtle and crane from any directions. Please make sure by seeing it yourself that it is true.

Highlight #5 "Seiryu Garden"

The garden consists of two styles: the European style on the east side and the Japanese style on the west side.

It is told that there were a tower castle and a path in this location. Today, it is used for citizen's tea ceremony meetings, and also there is a special tea room "Waraku An" which is used to accomodate the nation's very important guests.

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Tea room "Waraku-an"

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Seiryu-en is filled with quiet and calm atomosphere.

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Seiryu-en duing the cherry blossom season

●Information of popular events such as cherry blossom illumination and Tanabata！

In Nijo Castle, there are many Important Cultural Properties and National Treasures to see, but viewing these valuable heritages is not all. There are various events held at this site that many people visit to enjoy those events. Here are some of the events held at Nijo Castle. 。

"Kan-o-chakai (cherry blossom viewing tea ceremony)" in April

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Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully at Nijo Castle and there are special tea ceremony events held during this season. There are out-door seats on days with nice weather, you can enjoy the Japanese tea under the full bloomed cherry blossoms.

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From late March to early April: "Lighting up of Cherry blossoms"

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About 200 cherry trees with blossoms are lit up in the Castle ground. In 2016, "Projection Mapping" was introduced. The night view of cherry blossoms at the World Heritage site Nijo Castle is breathtakingly beautiful.

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August: "Tanabata in Kyoto" 」

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It is a very innovating event that casts Projection Mapping on the World Heritage. You will be able to enjoy the mystical and and magical appearance of Nijo Castle

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Late October to Early December: "Nijo Castle Festival"

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Nijo Castle Festival is a popular annual event in the fall.

It is a festival held for citizens of Kyoto and for the visitors to introduce the fascinations of Nijo castle. During the festival that runs for one month, special attractions that represent the Kyoto culture, such as guide touring of the castle ground, and citizen's grand tea ceremony, Kyoto's speciality goods market, There are other varieties of events such as Nijo Castle jogging, Star gazing meet, as Classic car exhibition.

You will discover new ways to enjoy your stay at Nijo Castle during this special event.

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Classic car exhibition event. It is very interesting to see the contrast between the classic car and the World Heritage.

▶You can view the scenes of 2016 Nijo Castle Festivalby visintg here

End December - Early January "Nijo Castle Garden Viewing"

The event that you can enjoy the Kyoto-style end/beginning of the year. You can enjoy viewing the garden with the background music of Koto music and also there is screen painting exhibition held as well. During this event, there is a special treat: admission fee is waived if you are wearing kimono.

Festival schedule for the 2016〜2107

Dates： December 26th - 28th, January 1st - 4th
Time：10:00〜16:00 ※Last admission 17:00
Admission：Adult 400 yen、Up to High school student 200 yen ※Free for visitors wearing kimono
When told it is a World Heritage Sight, it may sound very strict and formal, but at Nijo Castle, many events introduces people to feel familiar with the World heritage.

Please check the dates of the events and visit Nijo Castle during the events. You will be able to discover a new aspect of the World Heritage.

There are other fascinating events held at Nijo Castle in addition to those that are introduced above throughout the year.
Please check here for detailed information for events.

●Comments from EnjoyJapan! Editorial dept

Takeruさん(@takeru_ri)が投稿した写真 - 2015 5月 23 1:43午前 PDT

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Nijo Castle is one of Kyoto's must-visit sightseeing spots. Many people may have visited here with the school trip. Nijo Castle is registered as World Heritage Sight and it has many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties to see. Gorgeous "Kara-mon" and "Bukefu Shoin zukuri" are amazing to see. We can feel and appreciate the Japanese history just viewing those sturctures.

It was very moving when I went into the big room where "Taisei Hokan" took place. Please enjoy the site remembering the history of the sturcture that witnessed the Tokugawa shogunate period.

Also, the events held at NIjo Castle will be very interesting for everyone, even for those people who are not so interested in history. It is a sightseeing spot we strongly recommend. 。