nightingale floors

In medieval Japan, some castles (and other buildings) were constructed with special floors that made a squeaking or chirping sound to alert the residents to intruders (or anyone else) walking across the floorboards. Visitors can still see and experience these “nightingale floors” at a number of Japanese landmarks, including Nijo Castle in Kyoto. In fact, that’s where I’m headed today (remember…I’m in Japan!). I’m planning to get some photos and, hopefully, video to share here on the blog when I return. Modern myths claim these floors were designed to prevent shinobi (aka “ninja”) assassins from harming the occupants. If a ninja tried