Step back in time to the era of the shoguns at Nijō Castle, right in the heart of Kyoto. You'll want to listen for the famous 'nightingale floors' in the Ninomaru Palace – they were designed to chirp to warn of intruders! The castle itself is a stunning example of feudal-era architecture, surrounded by impressive moats and stone walls. Take your time wandering through the beautiful Ninomaru Garden, a classic Japanese landscape with a large pond and carefully placed stones and pine trees.