Nijo Castle was built after the draconian ruler Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu usurped power and ordered all the feudal lords in Western Japan to in its construction. The place was the residence of the ruler in Kyoto. It has the ruins of the Honmaru Palace, the Ninomaru Palace, two concentric rings (Kuruwa) of fortifications, various several gardens and support buildings. The castle is spread over 275,000 square meters out of which 8000 square meters is taken up by buildings. The Castle is a popular tourist spot reckoned mostly for its painting, imagery and architecture that we made to reinforce the social control of Shogun Tokugawa. The emperor’s wealth was signified through the excellently finished gold walls and intricately designed lacquered ceiling shows. Even the pinewood used in the structure was a message to his haters that he will rule for long, as the wood is renowned for its longevity.
Over the years, many have visited the Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan. The place is appreciated by one and all. Today, it is an ancient architecture considered one of the seventeen assets of Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Hence, it has become a must visit place for every tourist coming to Kyoto.