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Tourist Attractions / Kitano Tenmangu & Nijo

Nijo-jo Castle

The Tokugawa Shoguns' Kyoto Castle and Its Painted Palace

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Nijo-jo Castle

Why Visit Nijo-jo Castle?

Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo), located in the heart of Kyoto, is a castle built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in the early Edo period and is one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Its official name, Moto-rikyu Nijo-jo (“Former Imperial Villa Nijo Castle”), comes from its use as an imperial villa after the shogunate ended. Inside the castle, you can experience the samurai culture and aesthetic sense of the Edo period through the Ninomaru Palace (a National Treasure) and the Honmaru Palace, as well as beautiful gardens and historical structures.

 

Nijo Castle is also known as an important historical site in Japan, serving as the venue for the meeting between Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyori, as well as the Taisei Hokkan (the resignation of the ruling power) during the Meiji Restoration. Visitors can join the official guided tours to learn more about the history, architecture, and art of Nijo Castle. Why not embark on a journey to experience the history of Edo-period Japan and its traditional art?

Highlights

  • Ninomaru Palace: Symbol of Samurai Culture

    Ninomaru Palace: Symbol of Samurai Culture

    The Ninomaru Palace is a national treasure representing the architectural style of buke shoin-zukuri (the residential architecture of the samurai class). After passing through the magnificent Karamon gate, you can tour the luxuriously decorated interior of the palace. The collection of artworks created by master craftsmen of the Edo period, such as wall paintings and sculptures, is a must-see. Additionally, the Ninomaru Palace is known as the site where the Edo Shogunate came to an end, allowing you to experience the historical stage of the Meiji Restoration.

  • Beautiful Garden Strolls

    Beautiful Garden Strolls

    Nijo Castle features three beautiful gardens: the Honmaru Garden, the Ninomaru Garden, and the Seiryuen Garden. Each garden offers different highlights to enjoy the beauty of Japanese garden styles, such as dry landscape gardens and strolling pond gardens. Enjoy a relaxing stroll while appreciating the seasonal natural beauty and the exquisite garden designs.

  • Exploring Historical Structures

    Exploring Historical Structures

    Within Nijo Castle, there are numerous historical structures designated as national treasures or important cultural properties. You can fully appreciate the charm of castle architecture through structures like the Higashi-Ote-Mon gate, the Southeast Corner Turret (Tonan Sumi-yagura), and the Karamon gate. The Honmaru Palace was originally the residence of the Katsura-no-miya imperial family and was moved here from the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds in 1893–94. Enhance your castle tour by learning about the history and highlights of these buildings through guided tours.

Information & Access

Name in Japanese 元離宮二条城 (Nijo-jo Castle)
Postal Code 604-8301
Address 541 Nijo-jo-cho, Horikawa-nishi-iru, Nijo-jo-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Telephone 075-841-0096
Holiday December 29-31 (Ninomaru-goten Palace: Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December (if the Tuesday is a national holiday, closed the following day instead), December 26-28, and January 1-3)
Business Hours 8:45am-5:00pm (Last admission 4:00pm, Ninomaru-goten Palace 4:10pm)
Admission 1,300 yen (including admission to the Ninomaru-goten Palace)

Nijo-jo Castle Painting Gallery 100 yen *open 4 times a year, total of 240 days
Directions
  •  A short walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line
  • Take the Kyoto City Bus route 9 or 50 or express route 101 or 111, from JR Kyoto Station to Nijojo-mae Bus Stop, then a short walk
  • Take the Kyoto City Bus route 12 or express route 101, from Hankyu Karasuma Station or Shijo Station on the Kyoto City Subway
Credit cards Accepted
Official Website Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

 How long does it take to visit Nijo Castle?

A leisurely visit may take 2-3 hours. If you only want to see the highlights, plan for at least 1.5 hours.

Are there English-guided tours available?

Yes. Official guided tours in English run twice a day, at 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, and last about an hour. The fee is ¥2,500 per person plus castle admission. Booking online in advance is recommended; you can join on the day if spaces remain.

How do I access Nijo Castle?

 From Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line, it’s about a 10-minute walk. Just follow the path straight from the station, and you won’t get lost. You can also take a Kyoto City Bus (Route 50) and get off at the “Nijojo-mae” stop, which is right in front of the castle.

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