【Nijo Castle Complete Guide】Ninomaru Palace, Nightingale Floors & Access

Built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu and serving as the location where the last shogun returned power to the Emperor in 1867, Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo) witnessed both the beginning and end of the Edo Shogunate. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Here is your essential travel guide to exploring its National Treasure palace, squeaking “nightingale floors,” and traditional samurai gardens.

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1. Top 3 Highlights of Nijo Castle

① Ninomaru Palace (National Treasure)

Consisting of six connected buildings in the Momoyama architectural style, Ninomaru Palace showcases lavish gold leaf wall paintings by the Kano School, intricate wood carvings, and ornate ceilings symbolizing shogun authority.

② Squeaking “Nightingale Floors” (Uguisubari)

As you walk along the wooden corridors of Ninomaru Palace, the floors emit a musical chirping sound resembling nightingale birds. This clever security feature was designed to alert guards of potential intruders.

③ Ninomaru Garden (Special Place of Scenic Beauty)

Designed by master landscape architect Kobori Enshu, this traditional garden features a central pond with three islands and dramatic stone arrangements viewed from the palace chambers.

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2. Visitor Information

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3. Summary

Offering a fascinating look into feudal samurai politics, grand palace art, and historic gardens, Nijo Castle is an absolute must-see destination in central Kyoto.