Nijo Castle, or Nijōjō, is a Japanese castle in Kyoto, near the city centre. It is probably one of the more unique castle grounds you will come across. Most Japanese Castles will be located atop mountains or hills, these served as an extra fortification for the castle in case of an attack. The Nijo Castle is quite the opposite, and is what’s called a flatland castle, meaning that the castle keep was built on flat ground and not on a hill or a mountain. This allowed for more space to build the palace which severed as a residence and office for the Shogunate Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was the first Shogunate of the Edo Period (1603-1868).
In 1867, Nijo castle was used as an Imperial palace for a few years following the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate. It then was donated to the city, and became the historic site it is today. Nijo Castle is one of the many historic sites registered under the Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage classification, gaining this status in 1994.
Visitors will arrive at Ninomaru Palace shortly after Nijo Castle. Ninomaru Palace originally served as the residence of the Shogun when he visited Kyoto. Ninomaru palace exists today in its original form from when the palace was first built. Ninomaru palace is made up of several other buildings, all connected together with corridors. These corridors were rigged to be nightingale flooring, which makes a chirping sound when walked on. This was built as a security mechanism to alert palace residents of potential danger approaching.
An additional fee of 500JPY is required to enter Ninomaru Palace. In the palace, you get a good look at multiple audience rooms and other rooms used for various purposes.
Outside of the Ninomaru Palace, you can find the Ninomaru Garden. These gardens were designed by the famous Kobori Enshu, and features a large pond and ornamental stones in a variety shapes and sizes. The gardens also feature topiary pine trees. Previously, it was ranked among the top 10 Gardens in all of Japan.
Another area of Nijo castle is the Honmaru, which was the main circle of defence. Originally, the Honmaru section contained the second palace complex at Nijo Castle, and had a 5-story castle keep. However, following a fire in the 1700s, the castle keep was destroyed and has never been rebuilt to the same height since. The Homaru palace is rarely open to the public, but does open for special occasions. In recent years, the Honmaru underwent some minor renovations, in which some buildings were covered in scaffolding.
While you can note often go in the Honmaru palace, you can still enjoy it from the Honmaru gardens, which climb up a small hill which once held the castle keep. Now, the former foundation for the keep serves as a great place to overlook Nijo Castle.
Nijo Castle has a plethora of landscapes to enjoy. Both palace areas are surrounded by gardens to explore. Come spring, some 400 cherry blossom trees bloom. In Autumn, the many varieties of tree shift to their autumn colours, which also makes explore Nijo Castle a worth-while destination year-round.
Hours and Admission
- Hours: 8:45am - 5:00pm
- 800JPY (Nijo Castle Only) / 1300JPY (Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace)
- Official Website
Access
Nijo Castle is conveniently located near Nijojo-mae Station along the Kyoto Subway Tozai Line. However, the Kyoto Subway is a little confusing to use as it doesn’t get you everywhere, so if you are coming from the Kyoto Station, then you would want to get off at Karasuma Oike Station, and transfer lines. You can also walk from that station (will take you about 10 minutes)
Addtionally, Nijo Castle is only about a 20 minute walk north from Kyoto Station.
Where To Stay
Want more options on places to stay in Kyoto? See our Hotels in Kyoto Page!
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Nearby Attractions
Explore other attractions in Kyoto
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