Nijo Castle
Tourist attraction
Nijo Castle is a famous castle in Kyoto, Japan, that used to be home to the Tokugawa shoguns. It was built in the early 1600s by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. One of the best parts to see inside is the Ninomaru Palace, known for its beautiful wall paintings and "nightingale floors" that make chirping sounds when you walk on them to warn guards of intruders. But there's more! When you visit Nijo Castle, make sure to check out the Ninomaru Garden. It's a gorgeous garden with a big pond and carefully arranged rocks. The Honmaru Palace and the rest of the castle grounds are also fascinating, giving you a peek into the grand life of feudal Japan. Surrounding the castle is a wide moat and huge stone walls, which make it look even more impressive. There are also two traditional tea houses where you can enjoy a real Japanese tea ceremony. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle hosts various cultural events and exhibitions throughout the year. Visiting this Japanese castle offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and learn about an important part of Japan's history.
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541 Nijōjōchō, Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
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Why people love Nijo Castle
Lin *******
Yesterday
Almost all the clerks in the store can speak Chinese, are easy to communicate with, and have a good attitude! I opened the door on time, got dressed quickly and accurately, and my wife’s hair didn’t fall out at all until the evening 👍 The clothes were tight along the way, highly recommended!
Tania **
Yesterday
An amazing day, well worth it seeing a lot of the best highlights of Kyoto. Our tour guide was lovely, very personable and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
2+
Edlian ******
Yesterday
Nice attraction though we had some conflict with the schedule and My requeat for refund was not granted..
2+
EdmundMark ********
Yesterday
staff is really friendly and food was very delicious! I would recommend this place to hang out! it’s open late as well
2+
클룩 회원
2 days ago
It was my first time wearing a kimono. I was awkward and nervous because it was my first time, but everyone was very kind to me. They treated me kindly even though I used hand gestures, footwork, English, and a little Japanese. I really recommend it! It's the best!
1+
Zhu ***
2 days ago
A meaningful visit, but too short. I think it's a bit expensive. I think I can better understand the samurai culture by doing some research online and watching some historical introduction videos. The director was humorous and the audience actively interacted, and I simply understood the culture of Japanese samurai.
Klook客路用户
2 days ago
Guide Dai is so awesome, he is the nicest, most professional and happiest tour guide I have ever met. He can switch between Chinese, Japanese and English smoothly. We all give him high praise and hope to join his tour again next time!
2+
Monina *********
2 days ago
The shop is just walking distance from Gion-shijo Station, easy to find. The shop is a bit small so it easily gets crowded. The staff were friendly and can communicate well in English, Chinese, and Japanese language. The whole process takes about an hour, from dressing up to styling hair. They also give warm inside clothes and pants during winter time and also provide gloves and scarf. You can leave your belongings there, just make sure to bring all the necessary stuff that you need. The kimono set also comes with a bag so you can put some of your belongings like your phone and passport inside. Highly recommended!
2+
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Must-Visit Areas in Nijo Castle
Ninomaru Palace
Ninomaru Palace is the main highlight of Nijo Castle. This amazing building was where the Tokugawa shoguns lived and worked when they came to Kyoto. You should try the nightingale floors, which chirp like birds when walked on to warn of intruders or look out for its beautifully preserved wall paintings.
Ninomaru Garden
Next to Ninomaru Palace, you'll find the peaceful Ninomaru Garden. This beautiful garden has carefully placed pine trees, rocks, and a big pond. It was designed by the well-known landscape artist Kobori Enshu. As the seasons change, the garden shows off different colors and views, making it a great place to visit any time of the year. #### Honmaru Palace
Honmaru Palace isn't always open for visits, but it's really exciting when you can go inside. The palace sits in the middle of the castle where the second layer of defense was. It has lots of old buildings to check out and beautiful sights to see.
Two Tea Houses
There are a few traditional tea houses at Nijo Castle where you can join a Japanese tea ceremony. These tea houses provide a calm place to enjoy Japanese culture up close. Drinking matcha tea while soaking in the castle's history is a must-do experience in Kyoto!
Things to Do in Nijo Jo Kyoto
Explore the Castle Grounds
Take your time to walk through the castle grounds of Nijo Castle. You'll see beautiful architecture, lush gardens, and historical artifacts. The pathways are lined with cherry trees, making it a particularly stunning visit during cherry blossom season.
Join a Guided Tour
Make your visit to Nijo Castle even better by joining a guided tour! Friendly guides will tell you cool stories about the Tokugawa shogunate, how the castle was built, and why it's important in Japan's history.
Attend Cultural Events
Throughout the year, Nijo Castle hosts various cultural events, including traditional music performances, historical reenactments, and seasonal festivals. These events are a great way to learn about Kyoto's culture and history. Make sure to check the Nijo Castle hours and event schedule so you can visit when these special activities are happening.