Nijo Castle

Tourist attraction
★ 4.9 (23K+ reviews) • 336K+ 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.
See more
See more
541 Nijōjōchō, Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan

The best of Nijo Castle

Bucket-list experiences

NAKED Autumn Festival 2024 World Heritage Nijo-jo Castle Admission in Kyoto

NAKED Autumn Festival 2024 World Heritage Nijo-jo Castle Admission in Kyoto

Bestseller
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 4.4 (338)
From RM 57.75
Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Small Group Guided Walking Tour

Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Small Group Guided Walking Tour

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 4.2 (19)
From RM 244.39
Klook Pass Kansai

Klook Pass Kansai

Bestseller
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (850)
From RM 159.29
Klook exclusive
Kyoto Nijo Castle & Nishiki Market One Day Tour with Tea Ceremony
RM 652.15
PERFECT KYOTO 1Day Bus Tour

PERFECT KYOTO 1Day Bus Tour

Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (445)
From RM 490.55
Kyoto Day Tour

Kyoto Day Tour

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (61)
From RM 542.49
Kyoto Morning Tour (Round Trip from Kyoto)

Kyoto Morning Tour (Round Trip from Kyoto)

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (40)
RM 288.59
Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Kyoto

Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Kyoto

Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (29)
From RM 597.35
[Michelin one-star Kyoto cuisine] Nijyoujyoufuruta - Kyoto
From RM 678.15
Tea Ceremony Class Experience in Kyoto

Tea Ceremony Class Experience in Kyoto

Bestseller
Easy refund
Book now for tomorrow
★ 4.4 (297)
From RM 33.49
Kinkakuji & Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Shrine Tour丨Osaka/Kyoto

Kinkakuji & Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Shrine Tour丨Osaka/Kyoto

Bestseller
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (425)
From RM 138.55
40 off
Sale

Make it a getaway

MIMARU KYOTO NIJO CASTLE

MIMARU KYOTO NIJO CASTLE

Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (302)
From RM 875.61
RM 1,196.62
Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto

Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto

Instant confirmation
★ 4.9 (36)
From RM 2,293.35
RM 2,366.8
Kyomachiya Nijo Castle Japanese house

Kyomachiya Nijo Castle Japanese house

Instant confirmation
★ 4.0
From RM 1,119.87
Hiz Hotel Kyoto-Nijo Castle

Hiz Hotel Kyoto-Nijo Castle

Instant confirmation
From RM 455.91
KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection by Best Western
From RM 379.31
RM 431.04
Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto - Banyan Group
From RM 2,732.63
TH Kyoto 2 Bedroom Apartment near Nijo Castle
From RM 521.11
hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi

hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi

Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (478)
From RM 278.93
Park Hotel Kyoto

Park Hotel Kyoto

Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (291)
From RM 230.46
RM 266.39
Rinn Shiki Juraku

Rinn Shiki Juraku

Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (19)
From RM 827.12
RM 1,093.06
insomnia KYOTO OIKE

insomnia KYOTO OIKE

Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (123)
From RM 327.14
RM 330.49
Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sanjo-Karasuma

Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sanjo-Karasuma

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (895)
From RM 317.41
RM 320.66

Trouble-free transport

Sagano Romantic Train Ticket

Sagano Romantic Train Ticket

Bestseller
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (2,871)
RM 25.39
Randen Pass

Randen Pass

Bestseller
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 4.5 (750)
From RM 20.19
Kyoto car rentals | Choose from multiple car models
From RM 199 /day
Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass

Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass

Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 4.7 (58)
RM 34.65
Kyoto to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

Kyoto to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

Instant confirmation
Book now for today
RM 389.59
Kyoto to Shinagawa - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
RM 389.59

All that's good & tasty

Nanzenji Junsei Traditional Tofu Kaiseki Cuisine - Kyoto

Nanzenji Junsei Traditional Tofu Kaiseki Cuisine - Kyoto

Bestseller
Easy refund
★ 4.6 (215)
From RM 152.79
Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist

Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist

Bestseller
Easy refund
Book now for tomorrow
★ 4.5 (421)
From RM 156.19
Gion Kawakami (祇園川上) in Kyoto Gion
From RM 222.19
Kyo Kurozakura in Kyoto Gion

Kyo Kurozakura in Kyoto Gion

Easy refund
★ 4.2 (60)
From RM 209.05
Sopporo Kaniya - Crab Specialty in Kyoto

Sopporo Kaniya - Crab Specialty in Kyoto

Easy refund
★ 4.0 (50)
From RM 227.45
Mokube in Gion - Michelin Starred Kaiseki
From RM 883.00

More to explore

Kyoto Hop-On Hop-off sightseeing bus by Skyhop Bus (1day / 2days ticket)

Kyoto Hop-On Hop-off sightseeing bus by Skyhop Bus (1day / 2days ticket)

Bestseller
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.1 (328)
From RM 115.00
RM 115.45
Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto

Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto

Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 4.8 (88)
Free

Why people love Nijo Castle

4.9 /5
23K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Mehjabeen ***********
5 days ago
We had an enlightening experience walking through the Gion streets. Zeid, our fife gave detailed explanations about the construction of the houses, the Geisha lifestyle and about the Shinto and Buddhist religion.
2+
LI *****
5 days ago
The subway coupon you paid is very useful. You can use it to take the Lanshan train when you go to Arashiyama! I really recommend Arashiyama. It’s very comfortable to visit there. I highly recommend it!
Klook User
6 days ago
very friendly. detailed oriented. very professional hair and makeup, makeup was light and japanese style. lots of kimono to choose
Klook User
6 days ago
very friendly. detailed oriented. very professional hair and makeup, makeup was light and japanese style. you can ask for basic customization
Klook User
6 days ago
very friendly. detailed oriented. very professional hair and makeup, makeup was light and japanese style
CHUANG *******
2 Nov
Every dish is delicious. The chef will also introduce the dishes in English and explain the suitable dipping sauces for the dishes. The matcha salt has the elegant flavor of Kyoto and is very delicious!
2+
Klook User
6 days ago
we have great time the tour guide was friendly and fun
2+
Au *************
6 days ago
The kimonos are very clean and come in many styles. The store will also provide handbags, Japanese umbrellas, folding fans, and fox masks. The store staff will help with dressing and provide matching suggestions. They are very friendly!

Nearby places to go

387K+ visitors
808K+ visitors
409K+ visitors
495K+ visitors
380K+ visitors
394K+ visitors
377K+ visitors
629K+ visitors
250K+ visitors

FAQs about Nijo Castle

Is Nijo Castle worth visiting?

Can you go inside Nijo Castle?

How long to spend at Nijo Castle?

Where is Nijo Castle?

How to get to Nijo Castle from Kyoto Station?

What to eat near Nijo Castle?

What to know before visiting Nijo Castle

What to know before visiting Nijo Castle

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.