The North Main Gate of Nijo Castle

#0 Yen Travel
Nijo Castle Kita Otemon Gate
Address: 536-65 Warayacho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8301

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The Kita Otemon Gate of Nijo Castle has an imposing appearance that is appealing, like something from the opening scene of a period drama!
The first thing that catches your eye is its size! A magnificent turret gate stands on top of a solid stone wall, and it has an intimidating feeling that says, "From here onwards, it's a special place!" Just passing through this gate makes you feel like you've traveled back in time.
And if you look closely, you can see that the skills and attention to detail of the craftsmen of the time are packed into each of the gate's roof tiles and wooden framework. The decoration is not too flashy, and the design is simple yet powerful, which is the very essence of the samurai aesthetic.
This Kita Otemon Gate was the main gate of Nijo Castle, and in the Edo period, feudal lords would enter the castle through this gate when they came to Kyoto on alternate attendance. When you think about it, this gate was the entrance to the center of history. It's interesting to imagine what kind of feudal lords passed through this gate and what their thoughts were.
The stone walls around this gate are also worth seeing. Each stone is carefully stacked, and when you look at its solidity, you will be amazed at the high level of castle construction technology at the time. It even feels like the presence of a veteran hero who has been protecting this castle for hundreds of years.
In spring, the cherry blossoms around this gate bloom in full bloom, and the contrast between the beautiful scenery and the imposing gate is breathtaking. The combination of castles and cherry blossoms is truly a beauty unique to the Japanese landscape.
When you visit Nijo Castle, be sure to take a good look at this Kita Otemon Gate and feel the breath of the people of that time. I'm sure you'll feel that it's more than just a gate; it's a special place filled with history and beauty!

Post by はけ | Apr 26, 2025