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Nijo Castle

4.4 (200)Tourist AttractionHistorical LandmarkPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Nijo Castle is a magnificent example of traditional Japanese architecture and a symbol of historical authority. Built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyesho, the first shogun of the Edo period, this castle served as a residence for shoguns and a place of political power for nearly 260 years. It is famous for its "nightingale floors," designed to chirp like birds when walked upon, serving as a security measure against intruders.

Nijo Castle features two concentric rings of fortifications, each with a palace inside. The inner palace, Ninomaru Palace, is renowned for its beautiful sliding doors and elegantly painted screens created by artists of the Kano school. These artworks depict scenes of nature and are considered masterpieces of Japanese art.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, Nijo Castle is not only a historical site but also a popular tourist destination. Visitors can stroll through well-maintained gardens that showcase seasonal flowers and trees, offering a peaceful retreat from the modern city surrounding it.

Hours:

8:45 AM – 4:00 PM

(closing time: 5:00 PM)

Closed:

December 29 – 31

Available:

All year (except December 29 – 31)

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee:

1,300 yen (General)

400 yen (Junior high/high school students)

300 yen (Elementary school student)

Free (Under six years old)


Hours
Monday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone
+81 75-841-0096
Website
nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp

The area

Address
541 Nijōjōchō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan

What other travelers are saying about Nijo Castle

An extremely impressive castle dating back to the feudal era, with some considerable historical significance. The grounds are fairly large and the walls and other structures are very impressive to see. The castle itself is also very interesting to see the inside of, with an abundance of explanatory placards. Know that you will have to remove your shoes to walk around the inside in case that informs your footwear decision. Beautiful garden areas are also within the walls. Take your time and take it all in.
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Jason Helms
Oct 6, 2024
Came on the last day of the light up during cherry blossom season in April. Bought the tickets ahead of time online. Line to get in was long and winding but moved fast. Once in, we walked around the property and admired the light shows sometimes accompanied by music. They have lanterns for kids to carry if they want. There were a lot of people, but most people moved with the flow of traffic. Lots of nice trees and colored lights. We enjoyed it overall.
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Alison Kiraly
Sep 23, 2024
Pretty nice place. Admission is easy and it doesn’t seem to busy either, even when there’s a lot of people. The castle and grounds are really big. Going inside the buildings costs extra and you couldn’t take photos inside. The walls and the gates are also really nice. There are shops selling souvenirs and snacks which tasted nice. Overall a nice castle to wander in.
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Christophe Gaboury
Oct 26, 2024
Feed on carps! For 200 JPY you can buy fish food and experience a nice entertainment. There are so many fish, all of them are pretty big. Overall the territory and temple itself are stunning and well-kept. Inside you are not allowed to take pictures, interiors are beautifully painted and well-preserved.
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Yellow Beetroot
Oct 23, 2024
Such beautiful castle! We paid 1300 yen at the time of writing to go in to the castle. You have two types of tickets. A ticket to walk around the court (which is cheaper at 800 yen) and another ticket which allows you to walk around the court and go inside the actual castle (1300 yen). The second option is worth it… great history. What they have done in the inside takes you back to the edo period. You will need around 2 hours for this, especially in the heat. The area is exposed to the sun. Not much shade. There is an observation deck (not high.. but there steps involved to get up there. Not wheelchair accessible) where you can see Kyoto. At the back of the court, there are plenty of rest areas, with vending machines and toilets. at the end of the route, there is gift and souvenirs shop. Overall, great experience
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Ishwar Nair
Sep 25, 2024


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