Nijo Castle

Tourist attraction
★ 4.9 (31K+ reviews) • 448K+ booked
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

The best of Nijo Castle

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Why people love Nijo Castle

4.9 /5
31K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Klook User
2 days ago
amazing experience! 10/10 would recommend this tour to everyone. Vincent, our guide, was knowledgeable about the history and was able to answer all questions, all while having a positive and humorous attitude. Just great!
Yuche ***
2 days ago
It's a special experience, we never weared a kimono before, and this experience is definitely different.
2+
cynthia ******
2 days ago
My son was super happy, he even made a drawing and put it on the mural they have at the entrance of the museum. Shopping with Klook is very practical and easy!
Klook 用戶
2 days ago
I hope you can add more itineraries so that it is really convenient to travel. I will consider hotel pick-up and drop-off next time. The weather is very cold these days. It is so comfortable to just get on the bus and sleep at a fixed point😌
1+
adrian ****
2 days ago
Kyoto railway museum is a great place for rail enthusiasts. There are various steama ,diesel and electric locomotives on display and even giant a hobby rail gallery. There's some equipment that you can play with like ticket machine entrance gate and schedule display etc.
2+
LIN *********
2 days ago
There is no private changing space, but each service staff's service is super fast, super perfect😍, and also full of emotional value. Warm packs will be given to you even if the weather is cold. Don’t be afraid to ask for a warm pack, otherwise you will freeze to death.
yan ****
2 days ago
Good for train lovers.so many models of trains there.
Florence ***
2 days ago
A must-book Sagano Scenic Train if you going to Arashiyama. The journey is simply too beautiful and unforgettable. We stopped at terminal Kameoka Station, this end stop has beautiful padi field scenery.😍 Booking on Klook is so hassle-free. Just need to enter with the QR code provided. Truly an unforgettable experience!
2+

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FAQs about Nijo Castle

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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.