This famous castle has been with the tokugawa family ever since it was built by tokugawa ieyasu as a lodging for the shogun when he came to kyoto. the lavish interior of the palace is truly spectacular, including the national treasure ninomaru palace, which was the stage for the "return of imperial rule" that marked the end of the edo shogunate. in particular, the gorgeous sliding screen paintings of ninomaru palace, which amount to around 3,600 panels, such as "tigers in the bamboo grove" and "pine and hawk" painted by artists of the kano school, are a sight to behold. the flowers and trees that adorn the vast castle grounds are also magnificent, and the events such as the illuminations held during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons are also appealing.