Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle (Nijojo,二条城) was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1868). His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle’s palace buildings 23 years later and expanded the castle by adding a five-story castle keep. After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an imperial palace for a while before being donated to the city and opened up to the public as a historic site. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

What to See

The castle divides into three areas: the Honmaru (main circle of defense), the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and surrounding gardens. The entire grounds and the Honmaru are enclosed by stone walls and moats.

Visitors enter through a large gate in the east, where English audio guides are available. The Chinese-style Karamon Gate marks the entrance to the Ninomaru, where the castle’s main attraction stands.

Ninomaru Palace served as the residence and office of the shogun during his visits to Kyoto. Surviving in its original form, the palace consists of multiple separate buildings connected by corridors with “nightingale floors” — they squeak when stepped upon as a security measure against intruders. The rooms are tatami-covered with decorated ceilings and beautifully painted sliding doors (fusuma). The tour route passes multiple waiting and audience rooms. Only the highest-ranked visitors were allowed into the main audience room where the shogun sat on an elevated floor, flanked by bodyguards hidden behind doors. Lower-ranked visitors could only reach adjoining rooms without direct view of the shogun.

Outside the Ninomaru Palace extends the Ninomaru Garden, a traditional Japanese landscape garden with a large pond, ornamental stones, and manicured pine trees.

The Honmaru was the site of a second palace complex and the five-story castle keep, but both were destroyed by fires in the 18th century. An imperial residence was later moved here from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The Honmaru Palace interior was reopened to the public in September 2024 (advance reservation and additional 1000 yen fee required). All visitors can walk around the Honmaru gardens and climb the stone foundation of the former castle keep for views over the grounds.

Seasonal Highlights

Cherry trees of numerous varieties are planted throughout the castle grounds, including nearly 400 late-blooming cherry trees in a cherry orchard. The blooming season usually lasts from late March through April. A plum orchard blooms from late February to early March. Maple, ginkgo, and other trees offer brilliant autumn colors during the second half of November.

Getting There

The entrance is a few steps from Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line. From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Line to Karasuma-Oike and transfer to the Tozai Line (about 15 minutes, 260 yen). Alternatively, Kyoto City Bus numbers 9 or 50 from Kyoto Station take 15-20 minutes (230 yen one way).

Hours and Admission

Open 8:45 to 17:00 (entry until 16:00). Ninomaru Palace entry from 8:45 to 16:10. Closed December 29-31. The Ninomaru Palace is also closed on Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December. Admission: 800 yen grounds + 500 yen Ninomaru Palace interior + 1000 yen Honmaru Palace (advance reservation required).