Nijo Castle was originally built in 1603 to be the official Kyoto Residence of the first Tokugawa Shogun, Ieyasu. It was completed in 1626 by the third Shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, who transferred some of its structures from Fushimi Castle, which was built in the Momoyama Period (1573~1614). Lavishly decorated, Nijo Castle is an outstanding example of Momoyama architecture. In its day, it served as a symbol of the power and authority of the Tokugawa shogunate.
When Yoshinobu, the fifteenth Tokugawa Shogun, returned sovereignty to the Emperor in 1867, the castle was given to the imperial family. In 1884 it was renamed Nijo Detached Palace, but in 1939, when it was donated to Kyoto City, it was renamed Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo) and opened to the public.
The entirety of Nijo Castle has been designated a historic relic. The Ninomaru Palace itself is a National Treasure, and twenty-two other structures, including the main Eastern Gate, have been named Important Cultural Properties. The Ninomaru garden has also been designated as a National Special Scenic Spot.
The total area of the castle is 275,000 square meters, 8000 of which are occupied by buildings.
Ritsumeikan University Suzaku Campus
Literally gjust around the cornerh from Nijo Castle, just to the south-east of JR Nijo Station on what used to be Suzaku-Oji, the former main thoroughfare of the old Heian capital that is now Kyoto, one can find the latest addition to the Ritsumeikan Academy: Ritsumeikan University Suzaku Campus. This new building has the dual function of hosting the Academy headquarters and several professional graduate schools including the Graduate School of Law and the Graduate School of Management.
With the establishment of this new foothold, Ritsumeikan intends to further the development of the entire academy and continue to contribute to the social development and regional prominence of Kyoto as a university city.
headquarters and several professional graduate schools including the Graduate School of Law and the Graduate School of Management.
