Nijo Castle: An In-Depth Look at Its History and Overview

 

　Contents

1. Overview of Nijo Castle
2. History of Nijo Castle
3. Highlights of Nijo Castle
   

Introduction

Nijo Castle is an essential cultural heritage site for understanding Japan's history and culture. Built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, this castle symbolizes the beginning and the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate and has been the setting for many significant historical events.

In this article, we will provide a detailed introduction to Nijo Castle, covering its overview, history, and highlights. Nijo Castle features structures such as the Ninomaru Palace, Honmaru Palace, and three gardens, each with its unique charm.

When visiting Kyoto, be sure to explore this historic castle and experience its grand history and beauty.

1. Overview of Nijo Castle 

Nijo Castle is a historic fortress located in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, built during the early Edo period by Tokugawa Ieyasu. The castle complex comprises the Ninomaru Palace, Honmaru Palace, and three gardens. The Ninomaru Palace is designated as a National Treasure and consists of six buildings.

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 once featured a main keep, or tenshu, which was destroyed by lightning in 1750 and never rebuilt. One reason for this was the declining importance of the castle's defensive capabilities during the late Edo period. The remains of the tenshu can still be seen today, with only the foundation remaining.

The Ninomaru Palace, Honmaru Palace, and three gardens make up the main structures of Nijo Castle. The Ninomaru Palace, a National Treasure, consists of six buildings and was used for the shogun's official functions. The interior is adorned with opulent wall paintings by the Kano school, notably the "Pine Tree and Hawk" motif. In contrast, the Honmaru Palace has a more modest design but features intricate details such as alcoves and staggered shelves. The palace is currently undergoing restoration to preserve its historical beauty.

The castle is easily accessible using public transportation within Kyoto. It offers a range of visitor services, including a tourist information center, large rest areas, baggage storage, and wheelchair rentals, ensuring a comfortable visit for all tourists.

2. History of Nijo Castle 

The history of Nijo Castle begins with its construction by Tokugawa Ieyasu and spans through various eras, during which it has been preserved and continues to maintain its beauty and cultural value. The details are outlined below.

　■ Construction and Early History

Nijo Castle was built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu as a residence for his stays in Kyoto. Construction began in 1601 and was completed in 1603. Ieyasu himself oversaw the design of the castle, including key buildings such as the Ninomaru Palace. The castle also served as the residence where Ieyasu received the title of shogun, symbolizing the authority of the Tokugawa Shogunate.。

　■ Reconstruction under Tokugawa Iemitsu and the Visit of Emperor Go-Mizunoo

During the era of the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, the castle underwent significant expansion and renovation. In 1626, Emperor Go-Mizunoo visited the castle, prompting the construction of a new keep and the Honmaru Palace. For this visit, the castle was expanded to its current size, and opulent wall paintings by the Kano school were created. However, the keep was destroyed by lightning in 1750 and was never rebuilt.​​

　■ The Restoration of Imperial Rule at the End of the Edo Period

On October 14, 1867, the 15th Tokugawa shogun, Yoshinobu, announced the restoration of imperial rule (Taisei Hokan) at Nijo Castle, returning political power to the Imperial Court. This significant event was proclaimed in the "Ichinoma" (Upper Room) and the "Ninoma" (Lower Room) of the Ninomaru Palace's main hall. The declaration marked the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate's approximately 260-year rule and represented a major turning point in Japanese history.

　■ Nijo Castle in the Meiji Era and Beyond

In the Meiji era, Nijo Castle came under the control of the Imperial Household Agency and was used as an imperial villa known as "Nijo Rikyu." In 1915, a banquet celebrating the enthronement of Emperor Taisho was held at Nijo Castle, attended by many members of the imperial family and foreign dignitaries. In the Showa era, the castle was transferred to the city of Kyoto and opened to the public.

　■ Nijo Castle as a Cultural Property

In 1952, the Ninomaru Palace was designated a National Treasure, and the Honmaru Palace, turrets, and gates were designated Important Cultural Properties. The following year, the Ninomaru Garden was designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and in 1982, some of the wall paintings in the Ninomaru Palace were also designated as Important Cultural Properties. In 1994, Nijo Castle was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto."​

3. Highlights of Nijo Castle 

Nijo Castle, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, boasts several notable features. Below are detailed introductions to the key highlights.

　■ Ninomaru Palace

The Ninomaru Palace is designated as a National Treasure and is one of the most significant structures in Nijo Castle. This palace consists of six buildings arranged in a staggered formation and served as the official residence of the shogun. The interiors are decorated with opulent wall paintings by the Kano school, particularly famous for the "Pine Tree and Hawk" motif. The palace boasts approximately 3,600 wall paintings, of which 1,016 are designated as Important Cultural Properties. These paintings can be viewed at the Nijo Castle Wall Paintings Gallery.

The Ninomaru Palace comprises various sections, including the Tozamurai, Shikidai, Ohiroma, Kuroshoin, and Shiroshoin. The Tozamurai served as a reception area for envoys from the Imperial Court and is adorned with elegant wall paintings featuring cypress and green maple trees. The Shikidai was used for official receptions and was a critical space where senior officials and daimyos exchanged greetings. The Ohiroma was the official audience chamber where the shogun met with daimyos and court nobles, distinguished by its alcoves, staggered shelves, and other architectural features. The Kuroshoin was an inner chamber reserved for private audiences with close relatives and senior daimyos, decorated with paintings of blossoming cherry trees and pine branches. The Shiroshoin served as the shogun's living quarters and bedroom, offering a quiet and tranquil space.

　■ Honmaru Palace

he Honmaru Palace, constructed during the era of Tokugawa Iemitsu, served as the shogun's residence and administrative headquarters. Although it appears more modest compared to the Ninomaru Palace, its interiors are refined and detailed, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship.

The palace features wall paintings depicting seasonal plants, landscapes, and customs, including the striking "Pine and Crane" painting by Kano Einou. This artwork is known for its intricate details and vibrant colors, adorning the dignified space.

he Honmaru Palace includes buildings such as the "Goza no Ma," used for administrative purposes, and the "Onedanoma," a rest area, decorated with traditional furnishings, mosquito nets, and wall paintings. The Goshoin includes official reception rooms like the "Chushoin" and waiting areas for guests such as the "Shoshoin (Four Seasons Room)," adorned with alcoves, staggered shelves, and wall paintings.

　■ Gardens

Nijo Castle features three distinct gardens, each with unique characteristics.

・Ninomaru Garden:

出展：世界遺産 元離宮二条城

The Ninomaru Garden, initially created during the castle's construction under Tokugawa Ieyasu, was later redesigned by master garden designer Kobori Enshu in 1626 to welcome Emperor Go-Mizunoo. This garden is a classic example of a shoin-zukuri garden, featuring a large pond with islands representing Horai, Crane, and Tortoise, inspired by Chinese mythology. The carefully arranged rocks, pine trees, and islands symbolize longevity and immortality.

・Honmaru Garden:

The Honmaru Garden, located south of the Honmaru Palace, underwent significant redesign under the orders of Emperor Meiji, completed in 1896. The garden showcases Western influences with a lawn-covered tsukiyama (artificial hill) design. It features winding paths, stone lanterns, and garden stones, with plantings like holly oaks and photinia, enriching the garden's landscape.​

・Seiryu-en Garden:

出展：世界遺産 元離宮二条城 

eiryu-en, a fusion of Japanese and Western garden styles, was established in 1965 incorporating elements from the mansion of the wealthy Kyoto merchant family, the Sumitomo family. The garden includes a tea house, allowing visitors to enjoy the blend of different eras and cultures. Seiryu-en offers beautiful views throughout the year, with cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter.

　■ Higashi Otemon Gate and Southeast Watchtower

The Higashi Otemon Gate serves as the main entrance to Nijo Castle, featuring a robust two-story gatehouse. The white plasterwork and gold leaf fittings, restored in 2017, are notable highlights. The Southeast Watchtower, a watchtower located by the outer moat, exhibits the strong defensive architecture typical of the era. These structures symbolize Nijo Castle's defensive capabilities and are highly valued for their historical significance.

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 Conclusion 

In this article, we provided a detailed overview of Nijo Castle, covering its history and main attractions. The Ninomaru Palace, Honmaru Palace, and the three distinctive gardens offer a comprehensive experience of Nijo Castle's charm. Notably, the Ninomaru Palace is a National Treasure, and its interior wall paintings hold significant historical value, leaving a profound impression on visitors.