The Shogun Comes to Town

Tokugawa Ieyasu orders construction of a residence right next to the Emperor, ensuring everyone knows who holds the real power.

Nightingale Floors and Gold

Enter the massive palace complex. Step carefully along the squeaking floors designed to detect assassins while admiring wall-to-wall golden screens.

The Shogunate's Final Act

Visit the audience chamber where the final Tokugawa shogun announced Taisei Hōkan, officially handing power back to the Emperor.

A Peaceful Retirement

Relax in the ornate gardens. While the shoguns are long gone, the original castle keep actually burned down centuries ago.