Nijo Castle
Kyoto Prefecture · Japan
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Nijo Castle1:44
Welcome to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a formidable symbol of the power and prestige of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun of the Edo period, Nijo-jo was…
Listen in the app2The Karamon Gate — A Masterwork of Gold and Wood1:25
To enter the Ninomaru Palace, one must pass through the Karamon Gate, one of the most magnificent structures of its kind in Japan. This gate is a riot of decorative detail, featuring intricate wood carvings of cranes, pine trees,…
Listen in the app3Ninomaru Palace — The Heart of Diplomacy1:27
The Ninomaru Palace is the primary attraction of Nijo Castle, consisting of six interconnected buildings made primarily of Japanese cypress (hinoki). The layout is 'staggered,' allowing for multiple views of the surrounding…
Listen in the app4Nightingale Floors — The Sound of Security1:26
As you walk through the corridors of the Ninomaru Palace, you will notice a distinct, high-pitched chirping sound beneath your feet. These are the famous 'Nightingale Floors' (uguisubari). …
Listen in the app5Kano School Paintings — The Art of Authority1:26
The sliding doors and walls of the Ninomaru Palace are covered in one of the most significant collections of Kano School paintings in Japan. The Kano School was the official painting school of the Shogunate, and their work at…
Listen in the app6Ninomaru Garden — The Perfect Landscape1:28
Designed by the legendary tea master and landscape architect Kobori Enshu, the Ninomaru Garden is a masterpiece of the 'strolling pond garden' style. It features a large pond with three islands, numerous carefully placed…
Listen in the app7Honmaru and the Outer Moats1:30
Beyond the Ninomaru Palace lies the 'Honmaru' or the inner circle of defense. This area is surrounded by a secondary moat and massive stone walls, providing a final layer of protection for the castle’s core. …
Listen in the app8Closing1:28
As we conclude our journey through Nijo Castle, we must reflect on its profound historical weight. This was the place where the Tokugawa Shogunate both declared its dominance and finally admitted its end. …
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What is Nijo Castle?
Nijo Castle is a place in Kyoto Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Kyoto Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Total length | 11 min 54 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 35.0128, 135.7503 |
| Last updated |
