Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site, doesn't look like most typical Japanese castles as it's not a vertical fortress but a horizontal series of five buildings. I knew that Nijo Castle was known for its elaborate interior decorations which I'd seen pictures of and wanted to visit. The castle took twenty three years to complete and was the Kyoto residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616). In addition to the art work I wanted to walk along the nightingale floors which were made so they sing (squeak) as one walks on them. And they did. As I walked along the wooden floors in my stocking feet I realized no intruder/assassin would have gotten very far. Unfortunately no photographs were allowed inside the buildings.
Once inside the castle and its gardens it's easy to forget that one is still in the center of the modern city of Kyoto. 
The entrance to the Ninomaru Palace complex of buildings is quite impressive.
The crow is real not a decoration.
The beautiful elaborate decorations continued inside the palace.
Nijo Castle is also famous for its gardens which were designed by tea master and landscape architect Kobori Enshu.
What's a castle without a high wall and a moat.
The trees were just beginning to turn color during my visit.
A woman grounds keeper. Her clothing looked so interesting and comfortable too.
An elborate doorway to a side exit.
Ah, food, souvenirs, school kids and low tables where everyone sat together while they ate.
This food stall had beautiful textile decorations and served tasty food.
This noodle dish 'hit the spot' after my walk through the castle and its gardens.
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