Ninomaru Palace of Nijo Castle, Kyoto

Ninomaru Palace consists of five connected separate buildings and is built almost entirely of Hinoki cypress. The decoration includes lavish quantities of gold leaf and elaborate wood carvings, intended to impress visitors with the power and wealth of the shoguns. The sliding doors and walls of each room are decorated with wall paintings by artists of the Kanō school.
The castle is an excellent example of social control manifested in architectural space. Low-ranking visitors were received in the outer regions of the Ninomaru, whereas high-ranking visitors were shown the more subtle inner chambers. Kara-mon main gate to Ninomaru Palace Detail of the Kara-mon main gate
Dr Mala, Yon and a friend in front of the gate

Dr Mala in front of the Ninomaru Palace

The main gate to the palace

Side view of the palace