Northwest Kyoto - Kyoto - page 243

The Momoyama-era Kara-mon gate, originally part of Hideyoshi's Fushimi-jō in the
south of the city, features lavish, masterful woodcarving and metalwork. After passing
through the gate, you enter the Ninomaru palace, which is divided into five buildings
with numerous chambers. Access to the buildings used to depend on rank - only those of
highest rank were permitted into the inner buildings. The Ōhiroma Yon-no-Ma (Fourth
Chamber) has spectacular screen paintings.
The neighbouring Honmaru palace dates from the mid-19th century. After the Meiji
Restoration in 1868, the castle became a detached palace of the imperial household and in
1939 it was given to Kyoto City. These days it's only open for a special autumn viewing.
Don't miss Seiryu-en , the garden that surrounds the inner castle buildings. This superb
garden was designed by Kobori Enshū, Japan's most celebrated garden designer. This vast
garden comprises three separate islets spanned by stone bridges and is meticulously main-
tained. The Ninomaru palace and garden take about an hour to walk through. A detailed
fact sheet in English is provided.
Keep in mind that the castle is on the itinerary of every foreign and Japanese tour group
and it can be packed. If you're after peace and quiet, try an early-morning or late-after-
noon visit. If you must visit during the middle of the day, you might find that touring the
buildings quickly and then savouring the gardens is the most relaxing way to enjoy the
castle.