Nijo castle https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3918.html   was built in 1603 for the shogun at the time.  It is famous for “nightingale” floors which make a beautiful singing squeak when you walk on them.  It was a lot of fun hearing the floors go off while our group was walking through.  It was an accident of architecture that turned into a castle warning system for intruders in the castle.  Due to the age of the artifacts, we were not allowed to take pictures inside the castle.  The link above highlights some of it.

The grounds also have beautiful flower and fruit tree gardens. There were gardeners busily trimming trees Niwaki style(looks like life sized bonsai).

After the castle we walked around the local market and found an Indian curry place that was the best I ever had. 

That was followed by taking the bus all by ourselves (seriously overwhelming) back to the hotel for a wee rest.  Dinner was at an Italian place and was also to die for.  

After dinner walk on the sky bridge where there was a whole light show on 3 stories worth of steps.

Steps 13777