Still dark outside, we left the hotel few minutes after 6 in the morning. We were able to reach Osaka station before the schedule. However, there were several trains that got delayed. Upon reaching Kyoto station, we were on running to reach Miyako Hotel, which is the pick-up point of our one-day guided tour.
Nijō
Castle (二条城 Nijō-jō)
541
Nijojo-cho, Nijo-dori Horikawa-nishi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
The castle
was originally built in 1603 as the official Kyoto residence of the first
Tokugawa Shogun, Ieyasu. Nijo Castle is
one of the finest examples of early Edo period and Momoyama culture in Japan.
Ninomaru
Palace, characterized by the elegant, yet simple shoin-zukuri architectural
style, which was favored by the warrior class.
It includes waiting rooms, reception rooms, four grand rooms, and inner
audience chambers.
Reference:
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/bunshi/nijojo/
Rules: Any visitor should take-off their shoes and photography is not allowed inside the palace.
Insider notes shared by our guide:
- While walking, there are parts that of the palace that produce squeaks on the floor (short high-pitched sounds), these are the public areas, it is an alarm system to anyone that someone will arrive of somebody might try to assault. As for the area that do not have noise, those are the private/secured area where only trusted people can enter.
- Would you know the reason why the feudal lords are wearing long trousers? So that if someone attack the emperor other feudal lords can immediately stepped on the clothes and he’ll not be able to reach the emperor.
- What makes Japanese garden unique? Compared to other garden which has multi-colorful flowers, Japanese garden has 3 elements - rocks, water and variety of trees - that bring serenity in the soul.
How to get to Nijo Castle
Summary of 5 days itinerary in 2012 Autumn Osaka, Kyoto Trip:
Day
|
Places to see
|
Food and Restaurants
|
Where to Sleep
|
Day 1
|
Kyoto Guided Tour (JAPANiCAN.com)
Nijo Castle Kinkakuji Temple Imperial Palace Heian Jingu Shrine Kiyomizu Temple |
Il Bar, Kyoto Station
|
Hearton Hotel in Shinsaibashi
|
Day 2
|
Pasta Frolla, City Walk
Dinner in 3rd Planet |
Hearton Hotel
| |
Day 3
|
[Kyoto] Saga-Arashiyama: Sagano Scenic Railway
Fushimi Inari Taisha Tofuku-ji Temple Gion-Shijo Kennin-ji Temple |
Snacks (sushi) in Sagano Station
Restaurant in Gion Dinner in 3rd Planet |
Hearton Hotel
|
Day 4
|
Lunch in Daimaru
European Market in Umeda Sky Street Food near Osaka Castle Dinner in 3rd Planet |
Hearton Hotel
| |
Day 5
|
Hearton Hotel
|