Overview
Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603 as his Kyoto residence, Nijo Castle witnessed both the beginning and end of the Edo shogunate. The Ninomaru Palace's 'nightingale floors' were engineered to chirp underfoot to detect intruders. Over 3,000 gold-leaf wall paintings by Kano-school artists adorn its 33 rooms, and the gardens are considered a masterpiece of Japanese garden design. It was here in 1867 that the last shogun announced the return of power to the emperor. Admission JPY 800. A 3-minute walk from Nijojo-mae Station (Tozai Line).
Opening Hours
08:45-17:00 (last entry 16:00; closed Tuesdays)
Travel Tips
Shoes must be removed inside Ninomaru Palace. Cherry blossom nighttime illuminations in spring create a magical atmosphere.
Hotels near Nijo Castle
Hotels and guesthouses in Kyoto, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Other attractions in Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Kyoto's iconic gold-leaf-covered three-story pavilion reflected in a tranquil pond.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
A mystical shrine famed for its endless tunnels of vermilion torii gates.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A dreamlike tunnel path beneath a canopy of towering bamboo.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage temple with a breathtaking 13m wooden stage overlooking Kyoto.