World Cultural Heritage Series: Nijo Castle

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Nijo Castle: "Rise and Fall under the Restoration of Imperial Rule"

Kyoto has always been an important stage for major turning points in history and the rise and fall of the Edo Shogunate. It is also known as "Heian-kyo" and is one of the most important cities for those who want to be familiar with Japanese history. Today, I will introduce Kyoto's "Nijo Castle" to you!

「Restoration of Imperial Rule」: Before mentioning Nijo Castle, you must first understand the significance of the Restoration of Imperial Rule in Japanese history❗️
After the "Black Ship Incident" affected Japan, its isolation policy began to loosen, and the status of the shogunate plummeted. In 1867, Tokugawa Yoshinobu returned power to the emperor, announcing the end of the shogunate era. The incident took place in Nijo Castle~ So do you think it is important or not? ?

📖History Introduction:
The palace was built in 1601 by Tokugawa Ieyasu and completed in 1603. It was originally intended to protect the Kyoto Imperial Palace where the emperor lived and to provide lodging for the shogun when he visited the emperor. In 1994, it was listed as one of the World Heritage Sites of Ancient Kyoto.
When the shogunate period had not yet ended in Japan, it was said that another purpose of building Nijo Castle was actually to welcome the emperor in the city and promote the "stability of the shogunate regime." This shows its political and historical significance! !
After the end of the shogunate, Nijo Castle became the emperor's villa palace, also known as "Nijo Imperial Villa". In 1940, it was renamed "Nijo Castle" and officially opened to the public.

Nijo Castle Introduction:
The main gardens are the Honmaru Palace, the Ninomaru Palace, and the Three Major Gardens. They are large in area and each has its own unique features. Below we will introduce the three major themes one by one.
"Honmaru Palace": Located in the center of Nijo Castle, it was originally built in Honmaru by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1626 to welcome the visit of Emperor Go-Mizunoo, but was later destroyed by fire. Later, Tokugawa Yoshinobu also built a palace here, but it was demolished in 1881. The palace we see today was transplanted from other places and has no connection with the original palace!

Ninomaru Palace:
This is the only palace building that has been preserved among all the major castles in Japan today. It is so precious that it is listed as an important national cultural property. The famous "Restoration of Imperial Rule" event took place here! ! The building consists of six parts: "Enshi", "Shikidai", "Ohiroma", "Sada no Ma", "Kuroshoin" and "Shirashoin"

Three major gardens:
➡️"Ninomaru Garden": A special scenic spot that showcases the world view of the gods (reminds me of the work Jigokudaku 😆). It belongs to the style of "Shoin-zukuri garden" and has a very literary design style!

➡️"Honmaru Garden": A dry landscape garden with a "Shiba-style mountain-building style" influenced by Western style. There are not many historical records about it, and I can't explain it in detail😔

➡️"Qingliu Garden": It combines Western and Japanese styles. There are two teahouses in the garden, "Hele'an" and "Xiangyun Pavilion". The former is usually open to the public for visits and rest, and provides tea or holds tea parties; the latter is not usually open, and only provides meals in the pavilion during specific periods, or serves as a wedding venue.

🍁The four seasons are picturesque:
"Spring" - You can enjoy cherry blossoms 🌸 and azaleas 🌺, which bloom one after another from late March, and contrast with the white walls of Nijo Castle

Summer: You can enjoy Sophora japonica, Crape myrtle, and morning glory. The flowering period is longer in summer, from July to September, adding a rare bright red to the green.

"Autumn" - You can enjoy the red maple leaves and ginkgo trees. The flowering period is from mid-November to early December, laying a colorful carpet for Nijo Castle.

"Winter" - Camellias, plum blossoms and snow scenery, blooming from December to mid-April, this is also a good time to enjoy the snow! The breathtaking scenery of the ancient city covered with white snow will surely become an unforgettable beautiful scenery during your journey! !

🍜Nearby food:
1. Kudan-tei - Japanese pork cutlet specialty store
2. Forest Canteen-You should be able to find all kinds of weird types of curry here? ?
3.Le Petit Mec-A shop specializing in French bread 🥯🥖

📍Address:
Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Nakagyo Ward Nijo-dori Horikawa Nishiirinijo Castle 541

🚴Transportation:
1. Just a short walk from Nijo Castle Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line
2. JR Sagano Line Nijo Station, about 17 minutes on foot
3. Get off at the Nijojo-mae bus stop and walk to the destination

🕰️Business hours: 08:45-17:00 (last admission at 16:00)

💰Per capita consumption:
Adults: "Nijo Castle" + "Ninomaru Palace" ~ 1030 yen
Junior high school: "Nijo Castle" + "Ninomaru Palace" ~ 350 yen
Elementary school: "Nijo Castle" + "Ninomaru Palace" ~ 200 yen
🔔If you only visit Nijo Castle, the adult ticket is 620 yen, and the rest🆓
🔔If you hold a 1-day subway ticket or a 1-day subway and bus ticket for the day, the general admission fee can be discounted to only 520 yen. It is recommended to use the "JR Kansai Area Rail Tour Pass", which is very cost-effective! !

💞Recommended reasons:
1. History fans will love it, especially if you love Japanese history🇯🇵
2. The only remaining "Imperial Palace", why not come now?
3. It’s a world cultural heritage! This reason is enough! !

#World Cultural Heritage Series
#Nijo Castle
#Return of the Great Rule
#Edo Shogunate
#World Cultural Heritage
#KyotoTravel
#Ninomaru Palace
#Ninomaru Garden