Kyoto city (City area)

Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle

Although you need to fill out an application form to obtain permission to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, (there is a separate application process and explanation for overseas visitors), the surrounding grounds can be enjoyed freely Especially beautiful are the plum and peach trees in bloom in early spring, and their gentle scent carries on the breeze as you walk around the still waters of the clear pond on your way to the nearby shrines of Nashinoki-jinja Shrine and Go-o-jinja Shrine. North of the gardens is Shokoku-ji Temple - another area to enjoy a relaxing stroll in the heart of nature.

Heading southwest you come to Nijo-jo Castle. Built in 1603 as the residence and symbol of power of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, this castle is famous for its squeaking 'nightingale' floorboards. No matter how lightly you tread, the echo of a nightingale's cry comes up through the floor, the same cry that indicated an intruder to the loyal men guarding the Shogun long ago. As you admire the exquisite paintings and carvings from the Edo era, you can easily see why this castle was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Recommended Course

Half-Day Course