Kyoto, one of Japan’s most culturally rich cities, houses many historic landmarks, including the captivating Nijo Castle.
Built in the early 17th century by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the castle served as a residence and administrative hub for shoguns during the Edo period, embodying the power and prestige of the Shogun.
Historical Background
Construction of Nijo Castle began in 1601 under Tokugawa Ieyasu and was completed in 1626 by Ieyasu’s grandson, Tokugawa Iemitsu. Its construction marked a pivotal shift in Japanese history, symbolizing the shogunate’s growing dominance.
Originally constructed to protect the Kyoto Imperial Palace and serve as the residence for the shogun, Nijo Castle has played a crucial role in Japanese history. In 1603, Tokugawa Ieyasu built the castle to demonstrate the authority of the shogunate. It later became the site where Tokugawa Yoshinobu returned power to the Emperor in 1867, marking the end of the Edo Shogunate and the beginning of the Meiji Restoration. In 1994, Nijo Castle was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The castle grounds comprise two primary areas: the Honmaru (main circle of defense) and the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense). These structures are surrounded by a fortified moat and defensive walls, reflecting the military power that defined the era. While the Honmaru Palace remains mostly closed to the public, the Ninomaru Palace—an architectural gem—welcomes thousands of visitors annually.
Homaru Palace
Nijo Castle is renowned for its innovative use of space and intricate design. The Ninomaru Palace is particularly famous for its “nightingale floors,” which are specially designed to make a chirping sound when stepped on, alerting guards to any intruders—a precaution reflecting the vigilance of the Tokugawa rule.
Nightingale floors use nails to make a chirping noise under pressure
The design includes large tatami rooms, elaborate ceilings, and richly decorated sliding doors. Each room’s function is meticulously reflected in its design, with spaces for receiving dignitaries and conducting official business, showcasing the hierarchy and decorum characteristic of the Edo period.
The artwork within Nijo Castle further solidifies its cultural importance. The fusuma (sliding door panels) in the Ninomaru Palace are decorated with colorful paintings depicting natural scenes such as tigers, leopards, and landscapes. Created by artists from the Kanō School, these works reflect both the aesthetic preferences of the shogunate and the cultural exchange with China, where some of the motifs originated. This blend of indigenous and foreign influence represents Japan’s artistic evolution and adaptation during the Tokugawa period.
Tokugawa Yoshinobu in the Kuroshoin of the Ninomaru palace of Nijō Castle, showing a fully decorated hall, Tanryō Murata
Modern Legacy and Preservation
In 1994, Nijo Castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, affirming its importance to Japan’s cultural heritage. Today, the castle is meticulously preserved and managed by the city of Kyoto. Restoration efforts aim to retain the original architectural features while using modern techniques to protect the castle from environmental threats like earthquakes and seasonal weather changes.
Nijo Castle remains one of the best-preserved examples of Japanese feudal architecture, drawing scholars and tourists alike. It not only embodies the aesthetic principles of the Edo period but also serves as a symbol of Japan’s resilience and adaptability. Visitors today can walk through its grounds, observing the same walls and floors that once housed Japan’s most powerful rulers.
Ninomaru Palace
Tourist map of the Castle grounds
References
Coaldrake, W. H. (1996). Architecture and Authority in Japan. London: Routledge. ISBN 0415050791.
Sansom, G. (1963). A History of Japan, 1615-1867. Stanford: Stanford University Press. ISBN 0804705259.
Young, D., & Young, M. (2007). Introduction to Japanese Architecture. North Clarendon: Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 4805310037.