I have mixed feelings about visiting this place. I thought the story about the nightingale floors was super interesting, and you can really hear it super well when you're walking around inside! It is lovely. But besides that, everything inside the castle really did not manage to keep my interest. Everything you see is a replica, and there are life sized dolls/mannequins all throughout the property to illustrate how people used to sit in the rooms for example. Personally i really dislike when museums use these kind of dolls, to me it's cheap and disrupts the beautiful things there are to see, but i understand why the mannequins are placed there. I understand they are there to help people visualize better. I just personally don't like it. The gardens around the castle were nice. The public restroom was dirty.
This castle is one of Japan's most celebrated, distinguished by its significant historical value, pivotal role in the nation's narrative, strategic location within a notable city, and recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Nijo Castle, a gem in the city that captivates with its majestic white walls, towering east gate, and year-round beauty, clearly reflects the grandeur of its historical inhabitants.
Tokugawa shogunate
The Palace, a National Treasure, features six interconnected buildings exemplifying the shoin-zukuri architectural style, refined in the early Edo period (1603–1867), and stands as the sole remaining example of a fortified palace complex.
Tours guided by official guides of Nijo Castle, available in both Japanese and English and lasting about 60 minutes, are offered daily at 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, except on days when the castle or palace is closed, typically ranging in duration from an hour to an hour and a half.
Visited Nijō Castle today. It's a good culture experience to visit and look at how they constructed the building all those years ago.
It's a marvellous to see how it has held up all these years later.
It's something you need to experience when visiting Kyoto.
If you can, join a tourist guide for a little $$ extra on top of the entry fee to listen to the history, build, how each room was used, and image you being there back in the 1600.
Worth doing if you want to learn about the history or just want to kill some time.
Nijo Castle is a good stop if you want to see an important historical site in Kyoto. The Ninomaru Palace is the main reason to visit, especially the nightingale floors, which make sounds as you walk and are quite memorable. The rooms are well maintained, but photos are not allowed inside, so just take your time looking.
I recommend buying the ticket that includes the Ninomaru Palace, the palace rooms are well preserved, but photos are not allowed inside. The garden is nice and relaxing, and it’s worth walking around slowly. There is also a former castle keep area where you can get a view of the grounds.
Nearby places: After visiting Nijo Castle, it’s easy to continue to Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nishiki Market for food, shopping, and cafés.
A very beautiful castle, and the castle grounds, particularly the gardens, are equally impressive. Entry fee is minimal, and the castle itself was located very near to our hotel. Be ready to take a lot of pictures and a lot of walking. If you're traveling with kids, they might not be able to appreciate the whole place, and may lose interest after the first 30 minutes or so 😉. Nevertheless, this is a must visit attraction if you are in kyoto.
This is a must visit if you are near Kyoto. I was blown away by the gardens and castle. It will take 3-4 hours to explore it all and learn the history of Nijō Castle. I am God fearing Christian man, and this place made me rejoice in God’s creation. The perfection of the gardens to the impeccable detail in the artwork, architecture, gardening, and detailed pruning reinforced the power and beauty of creation. I felt a type of high walking through this place. I very much so enjoyed this visit and got some fantastic photos as well.
