Nijo-jo Castle

Explore the historic Nijo-jo Castle in Kyoto, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encapsulates the essence of Japan’s feudal era and the power of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo), located in the heart of Kyoto, is a castle built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in the early Edo period and is one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Nijo Castle is named “Gosho” (Imperial Palace) because it was once used as a detached palace for emperors. Inside the castle, you can experience the samurai culture and aesthetic sense of the Edo period through the national treasures such as the Ninomaru Palace and the Honmaru Palace, as well as beautiful gardens and historical structures.

Nijo Castle is also known as an important historical site in Japan, serving as the venue for the meeting between Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyori, as well as the Taisei Hokkan (the resignation of the ruling power) during the Meiji Restoration. Visitors can participate in volunteer guide tours or official guided tours to learn more about the history, architecture, and art of Nijo Castle. Why not embark on a journey to experience the history of Edo-period Japan and its traditional art?

Highlights

Ninomaru Palace: Symbol of Samurai Culture

The Ninomaru Palace is a national treasure representing the architectural style of Buke Bunko-zukuri (samurai-style residential architecture). After passing through the magnificent Karamon gate, you can tour the luxuriously decorated interior of the palace. The collection of artworks created by master craftsmen of the Edo period, such as wall paintings and sculptures, is a must-see. Additionally, the Ninomaru Palace is known as the site where the Edo Shogunate came to an end, allowing you to experience the historical stage of the Meiji Restoration.

Beautiful Garden Strolls

Nijo Castle features three beautiful gardens: the Honmaru Garden, the Ninomaru Garden, and the Seiryuen Garden. Each garden offers different highlights to enjoy the beauty of Japanese garden styles, such as dry landscape gardens and strolling pond gardens. Enjoy a relaxing stroll while appreciating the seasonal natural beauty and the exquisite garden designs.

Exploring Historical Structures

Within Nijo Castle, there are numerous historical structures designated as national treasures or important cultural properties. You can fully appreciate the charm of castle architecture through structures like the Higashi-Ote-Mon gate, the Tounankadoyagura turret, and the Karamon gate. The Honmaru Palace is also valuable as a remnant of the Katsura Imperial Family and was relocated at the behest of Emperor Meiji. Enhance your castle tour by learning about the history and highlights of these buildings through guided tours.

Information

Name in Japanese	元離宮二条城（Nijo-jo Castle）
Postal Code	604-8301
Address	541 Nijo-jo-cho, Horikawa-nishi-iru, Nijo-jo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Telephone	075-841-0096
Holiday	December 29-31 (Ninomaru-goten Palace : Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December, and December 26-31)
Business Hours	8:45am-5:00pm (Last admission 4:00pm, Ninomaru-goten Palace 4:10pm)
Admission	1,300 yen (including admission to the Ninomaru-goten Palace) Nijo-jo Castle Painting Gallery 100 yen *open 4 times a year, total of 240 days
Directions	A short walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line Take the Kyoto City Bus route 9 or 50 or express route 101 or 111, from JR Kyoto Station to Nijojo-mae Bus Stop, then a short walk Take the Kyoto City Bus route 12 or express route 101, from Hankyu Karasuma Station or Shijo Station on the Kyoto City Subway
Credit cards	Accepted
Official Website	Official Website

FAQ

How long does it take to visit Nijo Castle?

A leisurely visit may take 2-3 hours. If you only want to see the highlights, plan for at least 1.5 hours.

Are there English-guided tours available?

Yes, volunteer English guides offer free tours every 20 minutes from 10 AM to 12 PM on weekdays. No advance reservation is required.

How do I access Nijo Castle?

From Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line, it’s about a 10-minute walk. Just follow the path straight from the station, and you won’t get lost. You can also take a Kyoto City Bus (Route 50) and get off at the “Nijojo-mae” stop, which is right in front of the castle.