Nijo Castle

The Tokugawa clan was in control of large parts of Japan for over 260 years, and their heritage is still very prominent in the Japanese culture. One of the most tangible way to experience their might is by visiting Nijo Castle. All the feudal lords in Western Japan was ordered to contribute to the construction of the castle, which was completed in 1626. Construction is believed to have taken close to 25 years.

Nijo Castle

The castle is surrounded by two rings of fortifications, including walls and wide moats. The inside of the castle too, was to a large extent built to protect the shogun from malevolent visitors who managed to get to the inside of it, despite the outer fortifications. Some examples of the security measures include the use of “nightingale floors” – constructed in a way so that they make a loud sound reminiscent to that of squeaking birds, when being walked upon. There are also numerous secret doors and other places where the shoguns bodyguards could hide andif necessary, rush out and protect him.

Some of the structures have been destroyed, first by lighting in 1750, and later by a big fire that engulfed large parts of Kyoto in 1788. The castle was donated to the city of Kyoto in 1939 and became open to the public shortly thereafter.

Nijo Castle

Within the massive castle grounds that takes up 275,000 square meters, there are also several gardens. The most impressive is the Ninomaru Garden, located between the two rings of fortifications. This garden consists of a large pond with a few islands, as well as meticulously placed stones and well-groomed pine trees, as well as many other kinds of plants. There are also a cherry blossom grove and a plum tree grove, with trees in bloom during most of the spring season. In the northern part of the castle grounds, the Siryu-en is located, this is the most recent part of Nijo castle and has two tea houses which are open to the public. A tea set consisting of matcha and a piece of Wagashi will cost 700 yen.

Nijo Castle

All the vegetation within the castle grounds makes Nijo Castle an excellent place to enjoy the colorful leaves during the autumn too.

Nijo Castle

Nijo castle is one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The elaborate decorations on the outside of the castle has also helped earn it the status of a Japanese National Treasure.

As Nijo Castle is one of the most popular and well visited spots in Kyoto, we recommend that you visit early on a weekday, as the crowds quickly build up during the afternoon.

The castle is open from 8:45am to 5:00pm (last entry is at 4:00pm), and the entrance fee is 600 yen. The nearest station is Nijojo-mae on the Tozai subway line.

Nijo Castle

Nijojo Castle

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Kyoto City Kyoto City Nakagyo-ku Nijyotoru Horikawa Western Nishi Nijo Castle Town 541

0758410096

[Open Castle Hours] 8:45-16:…

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Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Small Group Guided Walking Tour

¥8,449

Update date：2024/04/25