Shinsen-en
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Nijō Castle: A Shogun's Kyoto Residence
Explore Nijō Castle in Kyoto: a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the opulent architecture and history of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Nijō Castle, built in 1603, served as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. Later expanded by his grandson, it showcases opulent castle architecture and beautiful gardens. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers a glimpse into the power and lifestyle of Japan's shogunate.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Nijō Castle
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
541 Nijojocho, Kyoto, Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, JP
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
Explore places near Nijō Castle
Getting There
Public Transport
From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma-Oike Station and transfer to the Tozai Line to Nijojo-mae Station. The entrance of Nijō Castle is a short walk from the station. The subway trip takes about 15 minutes and costs 260 yen. Alternatively, take Kyoto City Bus numbers 9 or 50 from Kyoto Station to the Nijojo-mae bus stop. The bus takes 15-20 minutes and costs 230 yen.
Walking
If you are in central Kyoto, consider walking to Nijō Castle. From Nijo Station on the JR Sagano/San-in Line, it's approximately a 15-minute walk to the castle. Follow the main street east, and you'll see the castle walls and moats.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Kyoto. A taxi from Kyoto Station to Nijō Castle takes about 4 minutes and costs approximately 1,900-2,400 yen. Ensure the taxi driver knows the location, as there are other similar-sounding places.
Car
If driving, there are parking lots available at Nijō Castle. Parking Lot 1 (east of the castle) costs 600 yen for 40 minutes, with a maximum of 1,800 yen per day. During peak seasons (March 10th to April 10th and November), the rate is 700 yen for 40 minutes. Parking Lot 3 (south of the castle) costs 1,000 yen for the first two hours and 200 yen per extra hour. Parking for motorbikes is 400 yen for the first two hours, and 200 yen per extra hour. Bicycle parking is 200 yen for the first two hours, and 100 yen per extra hour.
Local tips
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Consider visiting early or late in the day to avoid crowds.
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Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
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Check the official website for closure dates and special events.
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Rent an audio guide to enhance your understanding of the castle's history.
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Purchase a Kyoto City Subway One-Day Pass or Subway and Bus One/Two day Pass for discounted admission to the castle grounds.
Discover more about Nijō Castle
Nijō Castle (Nijōjō) was constructed in 1603 as the Kyoto base of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. His grandson, Iemitsu, completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later, adding a five-story castle keep. The castle served as a symbol of the shogunate's power over the weakening emperor, intentionally built to overlook the nearby Imperial Palace.
After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijō Castle was briefly an imperial palace before being donated to Kyoto and opened to the public as a historic site. In 1994, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The castle is divided into three main areas: the Honmaru (main circle of defense), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and surrounding gardens. Stone walls and moats surround the entire castle grounds and the Honmaru.
Visitors enter through a large gate on the east side, where English audio guides are available for rent. The Chinese-style Karamon Gate leads to the Ninomaru, home to the Ninomaru Palace, which served as the shogun's residence and office during visits to Kyoto. The palace's nightingale floors were designed to chirp underfoot, alerting residents to potential intruders. The Honmaru was the site of another palace complex and a five-story castle keep, but both were destroyed by fires in the 18th century and never rebuilt. However, the Honmaru Palace was reopened to the public in September 2024, requiring advance reservations and an additional fee. Visitors can also explore the Honmaru gardens and climb the stone foundation of the former castle keep for panoramic views. Cherry trees are planted throughout the grounds.
A brief summary to Nijō Castle
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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