Nijo Palace, Ninomaru

Nijo Castle (Nijojo) was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo Shogunate, as the Kyoto residence for himself and his successors.

The palace building now known as Ninomaru ("secondary castle") was completed in 1603 and enlarged by Ieyasu's grandson Iemitsu. It survives in its original form and is famous for its Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors and floors that squeak like nightingales when someone walks on them (a security measure against intruders).

Photo 125, 1987

Nijo Palace, Ninomaru

Entry gate to Ninomaru building

Photo 124, 1987

Nijo Palace, Ninomaru

Detail of entry gate to Ninomaru,

Photo 128, 1987

Nijo Palace, Ninomaru

Bridge over moat, Nijo Palace

Photo 127, 1987