The Nijo Castle in central Kyoto is surrounded to high stone walls enclosed by a moat where carp swim.  The complex was constructed during the rein of  Shogun Tokagawa Iyesu (1543 - 1616) to proclaim the power and majesty of the Edo-based shogunate.

The most spectacular structure in the castle is the Ninomaru complex of several rooms linked by open wooden walkways.   The complex served as the center of authority for powerful shoguns and included reception areas for visiting dignitaries,  living quarters for shoguns and geishas, and rooms for entertaining fellow shoguns and their entourage.  The silk screen walls throughout the complex are stunning representations of pastoral gardens, landscapes, and wildlife.  

(Above).  A view of the Ninomaru complex.  The interior floors were  composed of woods that squeaked when walked on.  These "nightingale" floors were a form of internal security to alert samuri guards of possible intruders.  

A tall stone tower looks down over Kyoto and the Nijo Castle.  A second inside moat encloses the area surrounded by gardens and walkways.