Despite its ambitious name, Kyuden Suzume is in fact little more than two one-story buildings with a shrine between them. Visitors sometimes confuse it for a storehouse, and its “Kyuden” title is allowed only due to the Emperor’s respect for Sparrow ideals. The buildings lack any kind of decoration, and indeed trying to maintain decorations in the harsh environment of the Sparrow lands would be futile even if the clan had resources to devote to the effort.
The interior of the main building has a large courtroom that doubles as a dojo – the only dojo in Sparrow lands until the construction of a dedicated external one in the year 618. The second building contains the residence of the Sparrow Clan Champion and his immediate family, as well as a few honored advisors and servants. The inside of the castle also has the only Sparrow artwork, mostly shoji screens and statues.
The central shrine is dedicated to the clan’s founder, with a smaller shrine for Lady Doji, the founder of the Great Clan that was the parent of the Sparrow. Another small shrine venerates the Lady Sun.