Nijō Castle: A Shogun's Kyoto Residence
Explore Nijō Castle in Kyoto: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, and a treasure of Japanese history and architecture.
Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, Japan, was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. The castle showcases the power of the shogunate and features impressive architecture, including the Ninomaru Palace with its famous 'nightingale floors'.
A brief summary to Nijō Castle
- 541 Nijojocho, Kyoto, Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, JP
- +8175-841-0096
- Visit website
Local tips
- Rent an English audio guide at the entrance to enhance your understanding of the castle's history and significance.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on the castle grounds.
- Visit during the cherry blossom season (late March to late April) or in late November for stunning autumn colors.
- Check the official website for closure dates, special events, and Honmaru Palace opening information.
- Purchase a Kyoto City Subway One-Day Pass or Subway and Bus One/Two day Pass for discounted admission to the castle grounds.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma-Oike Station, then transfer to the Tozai Line to Nijojo-mae Station. The entrance to Nijō Castle is a short walk from the station. The subway trip takes approximately 15 minutes and costs 260 yen. Alternatively, take Kyoto City Bus numbers 9 or 50 from Kyoto Station to the Nijojo-mae bus stop, which is close to the castle. The bus ride takes 15-20 minutes and costs 230 yen.
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Walking
If you are in central Kyoto, consider walking to Nijō Castle. The walk can be a pleasant way to see the city, typically ranging from 20 to 40 minutes depending on your starting location. From Kyoto Station, it is approximately a 50-minute walk.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Kyoto and can take you to Nijō Castle from any part of the city. A taxi from Kyoto Station takes about 4 minutes and costs approximately 1,900-2,400 yen. This is a convenient option, especially on rainy days.
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Car
If driving, there is paid parking available at Nijō Castle. Parking Lot 1 (east of the castle) costs 600 yen for 40 minutes, with a maximum of 1,800 yen for the same day. Parking Lot 3 (south of the castle) costs 1,000 yen for the first two hours, with an additional 200 yen per extra hour. Note that parking spaces may be limited, especially during peak tourist seasons. For the safety of road users, visitors arriving by car are asked not to wait or park on nearby roads.
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