Kyoto -- Nijo-jo II

Ninomaru Palace

Originally built in 1603 by the first shogun of that period and used as his office and residence when he was visiting Kyoto.

The decor on the palace had not yet been refurbished as the gate had.

"The Ninomaru Palace is a national treasure.

Please do not run in the Palace.

No food (including chewing gums) or beverage is allowed in the Palace.

A person under influence of alcohol cannot enter the Palace.

For the purpose of wooden floor conservation, please wipe your feet and remove your socks if they are wet."

Also not allowed were photos.....

Nimomaru (secondary circle of defense) Palace consists of five buildings joined by squeaky-floored corridors. These "nightingale" floors acted as intruder alerts.

The exit of the Palace leads to the Ninomaru Garden.

Complete with a visiting crane!!

Pond with three islands

These were my favorite spots in the garden-- view of the rock plank bridges and a waterfall!!

Back through the inner wall...

...to the very-special-occasion-use-only, Honmaru (main circle of defense) Palace,...

...and the site of the original castle keep...

Kyoto -- Nijo-jo

We couldn't resist checking off another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kyoto's Nijo Castle.

Entrance gate of the outer wall

I purchased our entry tickets, we crossed the moat,...

...and entered the outer gate.

The castle keep

The elaborately decorated Chinese-style inner Karamon Gate leading to Ninomaru Palace. 

Beautifully detailed!!

3D art decor

Gold-tone metal pieces attached to the wood rails

Kyoto -- Golden Pavilion III

We were fascinated by the rooftops of the little buildings.

This one was like bundles of straw with moss growing on top.

The thin layers of wood on this one were amazing!

A fun shisa!

Fudo Hall is a small temple housing a protector of Buddhism.

Burning incense as a part of worship.

A prayer wall of sorts. Prayers are written on wooden plaques, then hung on a hook.

Before heading down the hill to the exit, I took time for an ice cream snack...

...a Strawberry Choco Chip Monaka--- YUM!!!

A few final shots...

"The Dementia Thirteen"..... yep!!

Directions of how to use a western-style toilet!

But, whichever style toilet you use,

"Please use a toilet finely."

And one more kimono pic....