Nijo Castle

Tourist attraction
★ 4.9 (24K+ reviews) • 351K+ 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

Bucket-list experiences

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Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Small Group Guided Walking Tour

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Klook Pass Kansai

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Make it a getaway

MIMARU KYOTO NIJO CASTLE

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Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto

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Kyomachiya Nijo Castle Japanese house

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Hiz Hotel Kyoto-Nijo Castle

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KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection by Best Western
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Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto - Banyan Group
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TH Kyoto 2 Bedroom Apartment near Nijo Castle
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hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi

hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi

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From HK$ 459.1
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insomnia KYOTO OIKE

insomnia KYOTO OIKE

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From HK$ 547.4
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Toyoko Inn Kyoto Nijojo Minami

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Homm Stay Nagi Sanjo Kyoto By Banyan Group

Homm Stay Nagi Sanjo Kyoto By Banyan Group

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hotel MONday Kyoto Karasuma Nijo

hotel MONday Kyoto Karasuma Nijo

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From HK$ 459.1
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Trouble-free transport

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All that's good & tasty

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Why people love Nijo Castle

4.9 /5
24K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Yau *********
2 days ago
this is fabulous experience to visit japanese castle in the night time. the light show is good and worth to visit it
Fellendorf ******
2 days ago
We had a great evening, I'm very happy that I bought the tickets here through Klook. Everything went smoothly and the event is definitely worth seeing. Everything was beautifully lit and illuminated.
Klook User
2 days ago
The sceneries during fall colors are amazing!! It was a good trip for our family. The tickets for the ramantic train sold out fast, so it is good to book early to secure a seat.
Klook User
2 days ago
Very nice place with friendly people! great customer service. Fast and lot of beautiful kimonos to chose from.
2+
. *****
2 days ago
It is really convenient to buy online. If you are not satisfied with your order, you can change your seat for free. I really recommend taking the train from Kameoka Station back to Saga Arashiyama Station. The scenery is very beautiful, so remember not to get off at the wrong station.
2+
. *****
2 days ago
There are so many people in Nijo Castle during the day. If you are tired of queuing, you might as well check out Nijo Castle at night. You don’t have to queue and just swipe your electronic ticket to enter. The projection sculptures inside are beautiful, there are not many people and there are some small vendors, making it very comfortable to stroll around.
2+
Klook User
2 days ago
Raphael was a great guide, showing us everything around Gion and more, with Easter eggs and even taught us the proper etiquette and method of praying at a Shinto Shrine or a Buddhist Temple.
2+
Chong ***
2 days ago
It is recommended to buy tickets in advance as it is usually difficult to get tickets on the same day. This is a good experience. Friends who go there for the first time can take a ride on the small train to experience it.
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.