Nijo Castle - Ieyasu Tokugawa, founder of Tokugawa Shogunate Government, ordered the construction of the castle in 1603 after he had defeated his rival forces at Sekigahara and unified Japn. This castle was built as his western stronghold and residence for the shogun whenevr he visited Kyoto. And in the reign of third Shogun Iemitsu (1626), reconstruction and extension, reassembling some materials once used as parts of Fushimi Castle, was perfected to receive Emperor Gomizuno's visit. Later it served as his residence in Kyoto when a shogun came to the royal capital from Tokyo. This is called "Momoyama-styel Mansion." 1867, the 15th and last Shogun Yoshinobu voluntairly relinquished the reigns of government to the Imperial court at this castle because he realized he had no more power to govern, thus led to Meiji Restoration. Carving: Nijo Castle contains some of the largest and intricate carvings ever made as well as some of the most splendid paintins and elaborate metal works. Painting: The existence of the castle is very valuable historically and artistically, the painting under the first class of Kano school such as Tanyu, Naonobu and Koui is differently drawn in each room by usage. Each painting with gold dust shows off the power and the dignity of the Tokugawa Shogunate Government. - postcard folder
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