Nijo Castle is one of Japan’s hottest tourist destinations…but for a truly unique historical tour, you need this Minecraft recreation based on the original design!
Nijo Castle is easily among Kyoto’s most visited locations — and with good reason! It’s beautiful and big enough to get lost in. Sadly, getting to Kyoto isn’t always the easiest thing to do, especially if you live overseas, but fortunately one ambitious Minecraft player has recreated Nijo Castle. However, it turns out he took a particularly unique approach to generating the digital castle grounds.
Instead of reproducing the Nijo Castle you can find in Kyoto today, it seems niconico Douga user Shigeranai Matsuzaki modeled his creation on the Kan’ei Period construction, which was the period during which the castle’s original construction was completed in 1626! You can see the map the Minecraft player referenced here and an illustration of the original compound here.
But enough talking, let’s see the video!
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We have to admit, even though this was made using nothing but Minecraft blocks, the castle looks surprisingly beautiful in the video! And the bit towards the end with the setting sun adds a positively stunning bit of color.
The Minecraft player has also created blocky reproductions of Osaka Castle and Tsuyama Castle in Okayama Prefecture. We’ve included both videos for your viewing pleasure below!
▼ Osaka Castle
▼ Tsuyama Castle
Now, the only thing we’re missing for a totally immersive experience is an Oculus Rift or some other VR device!
Sources: Narinari, niconico Douga/Shigeranai Matsuzaki
Top image: niconico Douga/Shigeranai Matsuzaki