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.
See more
See more
541 Nijōjōchō, Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
Gallery
The best of Nijo Castle
Bucket-list experiences
See all
Kyoto Morning Tour (Round Trip from Kyoto)
English available
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
NZ$ 136.19
Klook's choice
Kyoto Day Tour
English available
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
From
NZ$ 261.05
Klook's choice
Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Kyoto
English available
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 300.75
Kyoto Day Tour with Optional Lunch
Bestseller
English available
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
From
NZ$ 224.25
Kyoto Highlights: World Heritage Half Day Tour
Private tour
English available
Private group
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
From
NZ$ 389.09
Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Small Group Guided Walking Tour
English available
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 98.89
Klook Pass Kansai
Bestseller
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 62.65
Half Day Walking Tour of Kyoto - Kiyomizu Temple, Gion and Nishiki Market
Private tour
English available
Free cancellation
NZ$ 381.35
[Michelin one-star Kyoto cuisine] Nijyoujyoufuruta - Kyoto
English available
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
From
NZ$ 266.69
Make it a getaway
See all
Piece Hostel Kyoto
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 68.47
The Millennials Kyoto
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 42.10
The Reign Hotel Kyoto
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 63.76
RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 102.58
DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 184.38
Almont Hotel Kyoto
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 85.91
NZ$ 88.23
Ala Hotel Kyoto
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 169.67
Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura - Urushitei
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 161.00
Karasuma Kyoto Hotel
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 91.69
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 91.48
HOPETREE KYOTO
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 77.85
NZ$ 81.28
Hotel Monterey Kyoto
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 83.72
Trouble-free transport
Kyoto car rentals | Rent a car for Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu Temple, Golden Temple Kyoto, Osaka International Airport
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 81
NZ$ 114.35
Randen Pass
Bestseller
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
From
NZ$ 7.95
Lunar New Year Sale
Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
NZ$ 11.60
34 off
15 off
Sale
Kyoto to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
NZ$ 153.20
Car Rental with Driver to Kyoto Imperial Palace/ Nijo Castle/ Kinkaku-ji Customized Tour (Round Trip from Kyoto)
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
From
NZ$ 554.95
NZ$ 567.45
Lunar New Year Sale
Kyoto Private Car Rental with Driver
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 497.95
From
NZ$ 99.89
Kyoto to Shinagawa - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
NZ$ 153.20
All that's good & tasty
See all
Sumibi Kazuya -Seafood Izakaya in Kyoto
Free cancellation
From
NZ$ 49.95
From
NZ$ 45.39
From
NZ$ 67.45
Temari Sushi and Japanese Tea SOUDEN - Temari Sush in Kyoto
Free cancellation
From
NZ$ 32.95
Gion Maruyama (祇园丸山) and Kenninji Gion Maruyama - Michelin Starred Kaiseki in Kyoto Gion
Free cancellation
From
NZ$ 119.19
Minokichi Kaiseki Cuisine - Kyoto Karasuma Shijo
Free cancellation
From
NZ$ 48.09
Doikatsuman - Eel Dishes in Kyoto
Free cancellation
From
NZ$ 119.19
【Michelin One Star Kaiseki Cuisine】Shimogamosaro - Shimogamo Saryo - Kyoto Main Store
Free cancellation
From
NZ$ 19.89
One-Michelin star Shuhaku in Kyoto
Free cancellation
From
NZ$ 86.25
More to explore
Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 134.17
5 off
Hotel M’s Plus Shijo - Omiya
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 52.63
NZ$ 69.75
HOTEL M’s EST KYOTO STATION SOUTH
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 75.66
Oriental Hotel Kyoto Rokujo
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 73.70
Klook's choice
[Kyoto & Nara Day Tour] Arashiyama Train & Nara Park & Fushimi Inari Shrine Thousand Torii Gates & Togetsukyo Bridge & Bamboo Forest Path & Kimono Forest (Depart from Osaka)
Bestseller
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
From
NZ$ 106.25
Hop Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 53.18
NZ$ 56.52
The OneFive Kyoto Shijo
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 48.33
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 73.41
5 off
Kyoto｜Kimono photo shooting experience
Morning departure
Up to 3 hrs
English available
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
From
NZ$ 29.25
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto Kiyomizu Gojo
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 62.65
NZ$ 63.30
5 off
Klook's choice
Fushimi Inari Kimono Rental Experience by Rental Kimono First
English available
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
From
NZ$ 35.09
[One-day tour of Nara Arashiyama in Kyoto] Nara Park & Arashiyama Train & Fushimi Inari Taisha Thousand Torii Gates & Togetsukyo Bridge One-day tour | Depart from Osaka
English available
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From
NZ$ 67.55
Why people love Nijo Castle
Lin *******
3 days ago
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 **
3 days ago
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 ******
3 days ago
Nice attraction though we had some conflict with the schedule and My requeat for refund was not granted..
2+
EdmundMark ********
3 days ago
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
4 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 ***
4 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
4 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 *********
4 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+
Nearby places to go
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.