Nijo Jo

Completed in 1603, it covered a whole city block of 500 by 400 meters. Nijo Jo castle was constructed to accomodate Tokugawa shoguns during their visits to Kyoto. The Tenshu was struck by lighting and burnt to the ground in 1750. The castle was rebuilt from 1624 to 1626 for a cross-town visit from the emperor. The tenshu was moved from a nearby castle and a spectacular palace complex was constructed. Dont miss the Kuruma Vose seven separate structres recede along a staggered axis.