Perhaps you’re wondering what secrets lie within these walls. Honmaru palace stands as a testament to history. It echoes with tales of shoguns and emperors.
The Honmaru is the main circle of defense within Nijo Castle. Nijo Castle was built in 1603. It served as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was the first shogun of the Edo Period.
Originally, a second palace complex and a five-story castle keep stood here. But fires in the 18th century destroyed them. They were never rebuilt. After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, this area became an imperial residence. A palace was moved here from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. This became the Honmaru Palace.
For many years, the Honmaru Palace remained closed to the public. But in September 2024, it reopened. Now, you can explore its interior with an advance reservation and an additional fee.
Even if you don’t enter the palace, you can still enjoy the Honmaru gardens. Climb the stone foundation of the former castle keep. From there, you will see panoramic views of the castle grounds.
Imagine this place in its prime. Daimyo would have gathered. Important decisions would have been made. The shogun’s power was on full display.
The Honmaru, with its walls and moats, was a formidable defense. Intruders would face a daunting challenge.
Around the Honmaru, you can stroll through green spaces and tree-lined paths. Cherry trees bloom here in spring. Maple and ginkgo trees blaze with color in autumn.
Nijo Castle is divided into three areas. There is the Honmaru, the Ninomaru, and the surrounding gardens. Stone walls and moats encircle the entire castle grounds.
Nijo Castle became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. It is recognized as one of Japan’s best surviving examples of castle palace architecture.
The castle keep was struck by lightning in 1750. Then it burned down. The Honmaru Palace was destroyed by fire in 1788. It was later replaced with a structure from the former Katsura Imperial Palace. This happened between 1893 and 1894.
As you wander through the Honmaru gardens, consider the layers of history beneath your feet. This ground has witnessed power shifts and imperial transitions. It is a place where feudal Japan met the modern era. The Honmaru Palace stands as a reminder of Kyoto’s rich and complex past. It invites you to step back in time and experience the grandeur of a bygone era.