Nijo Castle

A UNESCO World Heritage flatland castle built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nijo Castle is where the Tokugawa shogunate both began and ended — the last shogun returned power to the emperor here in 1867. The Ninomaru Palace features 'nightingale floors' that chirp underfoot as a security measure, and over 3,000 painted sliding doors by master artists of the Kano school. The castle grounds include a beautiful traditional garden and seasonal illumination events. English audio guides available; allow 1.5–2 hours for a full visit.