A very beautiful castle, and the castle grounds, particularly the gardens, are equally impressive. Entry fee is minimal, and the castle itself was located very near to our hotel. Be ready to take a lot of pictures and a lot of walking. If you're traveling with kids, they might not be able to appreciate the whole place, and may lose interest after the first 30 minutes or so 😉. Nevertheless, this is a must visit attraction if you are in kyoto.
This castle is one of Japan's most celebrated, distinguished by its significant historical value, pivotal role in the nation's narrative, strategic location within a notable city, and recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Nijo Castle, a gem in the city that captivates with its majestic white walls, towering east gate, and year-round beauty, clearly reflects the grandeur of its historical inhabitants.
Tokugawa shogunate
The Palace, a National Treasure, features six interconnected buildings exemplifying the shoin-zukuri architectural style, refined in the early Edo period (1603–1867), and stands as the sole remaining example of a fortified palace complex.
Tours guided by official guides of Nijo Castle, available in both Japanese and English and lasting about 60 minutes, are offered daily at 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, except on days when the castle or palace is closed, typically ranging in duration from an hour to an hour and a half.
Visiting Nijō Castle 元離宮二条城 was a very good experience. The grounds are mostly flat, which makes walking around easy and relaxing, without the need for climbing or handling steep slopes. It felt very comfortable to explore at our own pace and enjoy the surroundings in a calm way.
The castle buildings and wide gardens are beautifully arranged, and there is plenty of open space to take a slow walk while appreciating the history and atmosphere. The combination of traditional architecture and peaceful garden areas gives a gentle feeling, making the visit both interesting and pleasant.
Overall, Nijō Castle is a great place if you want something easy, chill, and not physically demanding. It’s a nice way to enjoy Kyoto’s history while having a relaxed time. 🌿✨
Nijō Castle (Nijō-jō) is a fascinating and very well-preserved historical site in Kyoto. Walking through the castle gives you a clear sense of Japan’s feudal history, especially inside the palace buildings.
One of the highlights is the famous nightingale floors in the Ninomaru Palace, which make sounds as you walk and were designed to alert against intruders—a very unique and memorable detail. The interiors are spacious and easy to follow, with clear explanations throughout.
When buying tickets, you’re asked whether you want garden access only or entry to the Ninomaru Palace as well, so make sure to choose accordingly. It’s also important to know that photography is not allowed inside the Ninomaru Palace, especially of the wall paintings.
If you want to enter the Honmaru Palace, you need to make a reservation online in advance, as entry is limited.
I visited in December, and it was a great option for colder weather since much of the visit is indoors. The gardens are also beautiful, even without cherry blossoms or autumn leaves.
Definitely worth visiting if you’re interested in history and want to experience a different side of Kyoto beyond temples.
I visited Nijo Castle on a weekdays therefore there were not that much crowd. It is such an interesting place to learn about the castle history. There are observation deck too where you can relax. On the day I visited Ni omaru castle was closed unfortunately. I love the architecture of the door/ gate so much. It's exquisite.
Lovely walk back into time. My family enjoyed the nightingale corridors and the palace thoroughly. There are English signs giving background all along and clear signage to guide you through. Highly recommend doing this early in the morning so you were not fighting the crowds. Currently there is also a nighttime event till December 8, where the castle grounds are open from 6 PM to 10 PM. If I had to choose, I would do the daytime visit because you can see the castle and the grounds and appreciate things better.
