I was only able to stay two days in Kyoto, but I enjoyed the serenity this old city had despite my short stay. While there I was able to visit Nijo Castle. As a lover of history, visiting castles and temples is not only interesting but a calming experience. You can feel their age and all your worries seem so insignificant and fleeting in comparison. Stepping into Nijo, can feel power Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu had. No expense was spared in the making of this castle, as everything was beautifully decorated. Every room had exquisite wall paintings. The theme of each painting seemed to reflect the purpose of the room. The room for waiting lords was decorated in tigers and leopards, the room holding weapons portrayed hawks sitting in a pine tree, rooms for his advisers and administrators portrayed storks, ducks, and geese, while in his private quarters were scenes from a peaceful landscape. Even the floors were a work of art, but their purpose more a little more menacing. Called the Nightingale floors, the floors make bird like squeaks when walked upon. Although the sound is beautiful, they were intended to warn of approaching individuals and protect the shogun from assassins. Not only was inside the castle immaculate, but the gardens were beautiful as well. There is something otherworldly about Japanese gardens. They are so peaceful and still. Inside it feels like time is frozen and you could spend ours there without realizing.
I had a wonderful time in Kyoto and I look forward to going back one day.
Credit for the photograph goes to the photographer. Visitors are not allowed to take photographs inside the castle.
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