Nijō Castle, Aki Travel Guide

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Explore Nijō Castle in Kyoto: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the power of the Tokugawa shogunate and exquisite Edo-period architecture.

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Nijō Castle

Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, Japan, was built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. Serving as the Kyoto residence for the Tokugawa shoguns, it symbolizes the power the shogunate held over the Emperor. The castle features stunning architecture, intricate gardens, and historically significant sites.

A brief summary to Nijō Castle

541 Nijojocho, Kyoto, Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, JP
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Monday 8:45 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8:45 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8:45 am-5 pm
Thursday 8:45 am-5 pm
Friday 8:45 am-5 pm
Saturday 8:45 am-5 pm
Sunday 8:45 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nijō Castle.

Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid potential queues, especially during peak seasons.
Consider renting an English audio guide to fully appreciate the castle's history and significance.
Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the extensive castle grounds involves a lot of walking.
Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds.
Check the official website for closure dates and special events before planning your visit.

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Explore Nijō Castle on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Nijō Castle, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

The entrance to Nijō Castle is a short walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line. From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma-Oike Station, then transfer to the Tozai Line to Nijojo-mae Station. The subway trip takes approximately 15-20 minutes and costs 260 yen. Alternatively, from Kyoto Station, you can take Kyoto City Bus numbers 9 or 50 to Nijō Castle. The bus ride takes about 15-20 minutes and costs 230 yen.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Kyoto. A taxi from Kyoto Station to Nijō Castle typically costs between 2,090 JPY. The base fare for a taxi in Kyoto is 490 yen for the first 1.5 km, with additional charges of 320 yen per kilometer thereafter. Be aware that taxi fares may increase by 20% during late-night hours (10:00 PM to 5:00 AM).
Walking

From Nijojo-mae Station (Tozai Subway Line), the castle entrance is a few steps away. Follow the signs for Nijō Castle. From Kyoto International Manga Museum it is approximately 15-minute walk.
Car

If driving, use the address 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301 for GPS navigation. Parking is available at the Nijo-jo Castle parking lot. The parking fee is 1,000 yen for the first two hours, with an additional 200 yen for each subsequent hour. Parking space is limited, especially during peak seasons, so arrive early. Note that coaches should avoid residential roads such as Oike-dori, Omiya-dori and Shinsen’en-dori.

Discover more about Nijō Castle

Nijō Castle, located in Kyoto, is a remarkable example of Edo-period architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Constructed in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, it served as their Kyoto residence and a powerful symbol of shogunate authority. The castle witnessed pivotal moments in Japanese history, including the Taisei-hokan declaration in 1867, when the 15th shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, returned political power to Emperor Meiji, marking the end of the shogunate rule.The castle grounds are divided into three main areas: the Honmaru (main circle of defense), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the surrounding gardens. The Ninomaru Palace is the main attraction, featuring five connected buildings with numerous rooms adorned with remarkable screen paintings by artists of the Kano school. The intricate wood carvings, decorative panels, and 'nightingale floors' that chirp when walked upon are testaments to the castle's opulent design and security measures. The Honmaru area once housed a second palace complex and a five-story castle keep, but both were destroyed by fires. The Honmaru Palace was reopened to the public in September 2024 after renovations.The gardens surrounding the castle are meticulously maintained, showcasing traditional Japanese landscape design with large ponds, ornamental stones, and manicured pine trees. Cherry trees of various types bloom throughout the grounds, extending the blooming season from late March through April. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, rent audio guides, and, since September 2024, visit the Honmaru Palace, which requires advance reservations. Nijo Castle is a significant historical site, offering a glimpse into the power and artistry of Japan's feudal era.