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Kicking off a guided Kyoto tour today, our first stop was the majestic Nijo Castle, where lush gardens and historic palaces unfolded under cloudy skies. The site's serene ponds, meticulously pruned pines, and grand structures transported us back to samurai era power plays. A perfect highlight-packed intro to the city's imperial legacy. 

Built between 1601-1626 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa shogun, Nijo Castle symbolized shogunate dominance over the emperor, with its lavish design overlooking the Imperial Palace. Expansions hosted Emperor Go-Mizunoo's 1626 visit; it later witnessed the 1867 Taisei Hokan, where last shogun Yoshinobu returned power to the emperor, ending the Edo period. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, it became an imperial villa post-Meiji Restoration before opening publicly in 1940.

Ninomaru Palace, a National Treasure, boasts "nightingale floors" that chirp like birds to detect intruders, plus Kano-school screen paintings of tigers and birds. Double moats, stone walls, gates like ornate Kara-mon, and the scenic Ninomaru Garden—featuring symbolic rocks and seasonal blooms—highlight defensive luxury. Honmaru Palace, recently reopened, adds imperial elegance.

Our group marveled at massive ginkgo trees by incense burners, tranquil rock gardens mirroring ponds, and pavilions amid azaleas—timeless zen amid history. The overcast light amplified the moody beauty, making every path feel profound. Can't wait for the next stop!