. : Gaijin-Ninjin a Photoblog in Tokyo : .: Kyoto Part 2

Next place to visit was Nijo Castle, a place which was build to show Japan that the real power lay with the Tokugawa Shoguns back in 1603. From looking at the pictures i thought this place might be another shrine but it was quite different. The building was similar in shape to some of the shrine seen in the guide book, but once you arrive you and you notice the thatched like roof and the golden decoration you understand how the place was used to show great power.

gate from outside

inner gate entrance, seriously nice gold decoration

closer shot from standing right under the gate

one of the main buildings

Unfortunately photography was strictly forbidden and i did respect this so i have only memories now of side. One of my first thoughts was how bright it was inside, as the only light was natural entering through the traditional sliding windows. The second was this slight squeaking sound which seamed to echo and follow us. After some time we noticed it was from our footsteps and later on the walk around the inside, we saw an information board which explained that it was to allow the Shogun to know where people where at any given time. Effective at stopping intruders attempting to assassinate Shogun. Even my ninja attempts proved unsuccessful :(
The paintings inside were slightly faded but still impressive. Gold foil design covered the walls and ceiling.

back in the grounds of the castle

We were lucky to see a man building a fresh bamboo fence, i tried to compose this shot a little rather than snapshot it like most. I love how fresh and green the bamboo is before the sun and age saturates it to browns.