Uploaded June 2016 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Known as the Kyoto residence of the famous leader Tokugawa Ieyasu, (the first shogun of the Edo Period), Nijō Castle is a stronghold that represents the prestige and power of the mighty leader known as the unifier of Japan. Construction on the castle was begun in 1603 and finished 23 years later by Ieyasu’s grandson Iemitsu. In 1939, the castle was donated to the city of Kyoto and was officially opened to the public. Enjoy exploring and learning about Ieyasu’s dramatic and interesting life- no one said history had to be boring! With hundreds of varieties of flora as well, Nijō-jō is also a great place to view some of Japan’s treasured seasonal beauty.
To see more of Nijō-jō and how to get there, check out our page:
discoverkyoto.com/places-go/nijo-jo
Known as the Kyoto residence of the famous leader Tokugawa Ieyasu, (the first shogun of the Edo Period), Nijō Castle is a stronghold that represents the prestige and power of the mighty leader known as the unifier of Japan. Construction on the castle was begun in 1603 and finished 23 years later by Ieyasu’s grandson Iemitsu. In 1939, the castle was donated to the city of Kyoto and was officially opened to the public. Enjoy exploring and learning about Ieyasu’s dramatic and interesting life- no one said history had to be boring! With hundreds of varieties of flora as well, Nijō-jō is also a great place to view some of Japan’s treasured seasonal beauty.
To see more of Nijō-jō and how to get there, check out our page:
discoverkyoto.com/places-go/nijo-jo
![Beautiful Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms at Ninna-ji Temple [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oO7SqyKi7CE/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms at Ninna-ji Temple [4K]
When it comes to sakura season in Kyoto, you have a lot of options when it comes to the type of flowers youd like to see. Weeping cherry trees, double-flowered cherry trees, mountain cherry trees... and Omuro cherry trees! This particular type of sakura is shorter than others, features white blossoms, and blooms later than most other types. Ninna-ji temple in northwestern Kyoto is famous for their grove of Omuro Sakura, and the sight of the temples pagoda over a sea of flowers is iconic. Dont miss Ninna-jis cherry blossoms in late April!
To see more of Ninna-ji Temple and how to get there, check out our page:
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/ninna-ji")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 Tōfuku-ji [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pMFqMyTvPWE/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 Tōfuku-ji [4K]
Kyotos autumn leaves (kōyō) are some of the most famous in the country, and one of the most popular places to view the changing colors is at Tōfuku-ji temple. One of the citys Five Great Zen Temples, Tōfuku-ji was founded in 1236 and is home to a famous series of gardens and one of the oldest Sanmon Gates in Japan. When it comes to seasonal delights, however, go to Tōfuku-ji for their gorgeous mini-valley filled with maple trees. The Tsūten-kyō Bridge crosses over this rich sea of colors, allowing visitors to feel as if they are floating on a sea of red autumn leaves.
To see more of Tōfuku-ji and how to get there, check out our page: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/tofuku-ji/
Music: Autumn Piano by SuricateBand")
