Visiting Nijo Castle in Kyoto was a fascinating and memorable experience. As someone interested in Japanese history and architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site completely exceeded my expectations. The castle grounds are spacious and beautifully maintained, with cherry blossoms in full bloom during my visit, adding to the overall charm.
The highlight of the visit was walking through the Ninomaru Palace. The interior is filled with stunning traditional artwork—gold leaf screens, intricate wood carvings, and beautifully painted sliding doors that reflect the power and elegance of the Tokugawa shogunate. One unique feature I found really interesting was the “nightingale floors,” which squeak as you walk to prevent intruders from sneaking in. It added a unique, almost mystical element to the experience.
The surrounding gardens are peaceful and picturesque, perfect for a stroll. There’s a mix of traditional Japanese landscape design, koi ponds, and carefully pruned pine trees, which made it a relaxing place to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
The signage was clear and helpful, with English explanations throughout the site, making it easy to understand the historical significance of what I was seeing.
Overall, Nijo Castle is a must-see if you’re in Kyoto. It offers a deep dive into Japan’s feudal past with stunning architecture, peaceful gardens, and a serene atmosphere that really transports you back in time.
Beautiful inside and out! More like castle surrounded by nature. In case you missed it or planning to visit:Nijo-jo Castle was constructed in 1603 by Tokugawa leyasu, the first Shogun of the Edo Shogunate (1603 - 1867). In 1626, during the reign of the third Shogun Tokugawa lemitsu, the castle was greatly increased in size for the Imperial visit by Emperor Go-Mizuno-o. In addition, it was here at Nijo-jo Castle in 1867 that the fifteenth and last Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu decided to surrender his authority to rule the country to the Emperor, bringing 700 years of samurai rule to an end. From 1884, the castle was used as an occasional residence by the Imperial Family until 1939 when it was presented to Kyoto City. In 1994, the castle was registered as a World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)
It’s interesting that this castle had everything from the castle to the garden to observatory deck to coffee shops and small open market for sake and spicy toward the exit gate as of when we visited on Thursday March 27,2025. And you have 2 different types of stamps;you just have to find them.. One of the castle that we really liked and enjoyed visiting!
Price is reasonable;you can buy it online or while there at the machine and pay with card.
I will highly recommend Nijō Castle if you are interested in the Japanese heritage.
It is a great walk both inside (no shoes inside is great! ) and in the park outside.
The restrooms are fantastic to be in a public place like this. Clean, advanced with bidet! And easy accessible!
The nightingale hallways is really cool because of the sound it makes as you walk. One thing is - NO PHOTOS at all are allowed inside the castle. It’s also disappointing because most of the art in the castle is just recreations and not original so that kind of took away from me- although I guess you can see the real versions somewhere. Walking around the grounds were great and the Cherry Blossom trees were absolutely amazing.
Also for stamp lovers there is a layered stamp available on the ground.
A stunning view into old world Japan. We walked inside the grounds and buildings of the castle. The artwork (albeit replicas) are stunning. Make sure to walk around the parameter of the grounds to see all the gardens, walls and structures. Will worth a visit - would recommend you buy tickets in advance or arrive early to beat the queues.
