Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo)

Nijo Castle was built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan’s most powerful shoguns and founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The shoguns ruled Japan for a total of 700 years between the 13th and 19th centuries, with Tokugawa Ieyasu founding his dynasty in 1600. Built as a symbol of his power, the castle is filled with many fine works of art, including beautiful paintings of trees and animals by some of Japan’s most famous artists of the period. The castle, set in stunning gardens in the old capital of Japan, Kyoto, was built almost entirely of Hinoki wood (Japanese Cypress).
Air: Kansai International Airport, Osaka Itami Airport (domestic flights). Rail: Underground: Nijo-jo-mae Station. Train: Kyoto Station. Road: Bus: Services from Kyoto Station.