Squeaking Floors that Sound Like Thousands of Nightingales: Nijo Castle in Kyoto

Nijo Castle Gate, Kyoto

An illustrious history as the seat of powerful Imperial rulers has left Kyoto with an amazing bounty of ancient temples, castles and gardens. Fortunately for world travelers Kyoto was considered so significant that it was spared during World War II bombings, which leaves us with around 2000 temples and other stunning architectural delights.

Nijo Castle was built as residence for Japan’s ruling warlords over 400 years ago, the Shoguns, and features a very unique and sophisticated security system. Not only is this castle an architectural delight, supposedly the best surviving example of castle architecture from Japan’s feudal era, but the castle also features a series of unique security: the castle is surrounded by an impressive 3 moat system of slanted, meticulously carved stone walls with turrets.

meticulously carved slanted moat stone walls

Cherry blossom and plum trees adorn the gardens now

Broad wooden “Nightingale” plank flooring in all the circulation corridors squeak delightfully when walked on; however not so poetic if you are an intruder, especially when combined with a series of hidden rooms for bodyguards.

Meticulous ceiling and soffit ornamentation at the circulation areas above the Nightingale floors

A taste for the opulent and symbolic is evident throughout the castle, starting with magnificent gates with gold ornamentation, juxtaposing the black timber structure and gates. Symbolizing power and grandeur, the interior decoration is abundant, exuberant and yet bespoke. Screens and sliding doors are adorned with exquisite images, painted by the most heralded artists of the time, with a series of themes of grandeur: Pine trees symbolic of longevity and strength, ferocious tigers, leopard and birds of prey symbolic of power and strength, gracious peacocks and cherry blossoms – all meant to impress those seeking an audience with the Shogun.

The ceilings in the circulation areas feature more simplistic design, which are poetic in their simplicity. The Shogun’s own chambers were subdued and decorated with monochromes and resting sparrows.  The waiting areas all have tatami mat flooring, but only the highest ranking visitors would reach the waiting area with the elevated platform for the Shogun.

Sliding screens at the reception areas symbolizing longivity and strength

Nightingale flooring sounding much more delicate than they look

Nijo Castle was built by the Tokugawa Shogun in 1603-1616, who sadly died before completion in 1626. After much neglect the castle became a Unesco World Heritage site. The castle has been used in a number of film sets, among others for “The Last Samurai”. Address; Nijo Castle, Nijo-dori Horikawa, Kyoto-shi, Tel; 075 841 0096. Admission 600 Yen, 8:45AM-5PM

“A taste for the opulent and symbolic is evident throughout the castle”