On the way back from the Monkey Park, we stopped by Nijo Castle. One of Japan’s largest, intact castles (not destroyed by earthquake, fire, flood, or bombs), Nijo is also notable for it’s unique architecture.
Unlike temples and shrines, the castle includes many indoor hallways and rooms that visitors can walk through. However, there is a strict no pictures rule because the delicate paintings are severely damaged by light. Here is a contemporary painting of what the inside generally looks like:
And here is a detail of the interior ceiling decorations that I got from Wikipedia:
The castle has the usual moat and stone wall accouterments, as well has some lovely gardens.
I consider it one of Kyoto’s must-see sites.
Far + Away 
And Nijo has the “nightingale floors” — the floors that emit a sound like a bird’s song when you walk on them. This place is way cool.
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On my list for a future visit!
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