In 1867, the Ninomaru Palace, in the Outer Ward, was the stage for the declaration by Tokugawa Yoshinobu, returning the authority to the Imperial Court (大政奉還).

In the 21st century, typhoons have periodically caused sections of plaster to peel off the walls after exposure to rain and wind.

[3] It is generally believed that the karamon gate of Toyokuni shrine was originally built for Hideyoshi's Fushimi castle in 1598.

The decoration includes lavish quantities of gold leaf and elaborate wood carvings, intended to impress visitors with the power and wealth of the shōguns.

Rather than attempt to conceal the entrances to the rooms for bodyguards (as was done in many castles), the Tokugawas chose to display them prominently.

The building houses several different reception chambers, offices and the living quarters of the shōgun, where only female attendants were allowed.

One of the most striking features of the Ninomaru Palace are the "nightingale floors" (uguisubari) in the corridors that make a chirping sound when walked upon.

[8] These are often incorrectly described as a feature to alert the presence of intruders, but it is actually just caused by clamps moving against nails in the wooden beams that support the floor.

The complex has four parts: living quarters, reception and entertainment rooms, entrance halls and kitchen area.

The garden has a large pond with three islands and features numerous carefully placed stones and topiary pine trees.

It was constructed in 1965 in the northern part of the complex, as a facility for the reception of official guests of Kyoto and as a venue for cultural events.