July 25th, 2016
A UNESCO world heritage site. The Nijo Castle was built-in 1603 as a residence for the first shogun of the Edo period. It was also the residence of the last Shogun who declared the return to power to the emperor in 1867, marking the end of the Edo Period. It is known for spectacular wall paintings decorated with gold leaf still in existence today.
The main palace consisted of 33 rooms with multiple waiting and audience rooms. In the main audience room, the shogun would sit on an elevated door next to a large closet filled with security guards ready to protect the shogun at any instant. The corridors have nightingale floors that intentionally “chirp” as you walk along them. There was no sneaking around the palace without being unheard.
Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to take pictures inside of the palace.
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