Nijo Castle's "Nightingale" Floor

Built as a military facility, Kyoto's Nijo Castle has wide moats, thick walls, and floors that "sing" like a nightingale.

The purpose of the last building technique was, of course, to alert those inside - perhaps even the Shogun himself - that intruders had broached the walls.

This recording was taken as hoardes of tourists tramped through.

In the background, you can hear the voice of the young tourists and, in the distance, an announcement within the Castle.

A single intruder, late at night, would not create quite as much volume, but a single step would surely rouse the guards within.

May 3, 2009.

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