Nijo Castle (Former Imperial Palace)

Moto-rikyu Nijō-jō

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A World Heritage site overflowing with history and beauty, featuring the Ninomaru Palace (a National Treasure) and the Ninomaru Garden (a Special Place of Scenic Beauty).

Tourist destination images of Nijo Castle (Former Imperial Palace)(1)

Tourist destination images of Nijo Castle (Former Imperial Palace)(2)

Tourist destination images of Nijo Castle (Former Imperial Palace)(3)

Tourist destination images of Nijo Castle (Former Imperial Palace)(4)

Tourist destination images of Nijo Castle (Former Imperial Palace)(5)

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Overview

Nijo Castle (Former Imperial Palace), built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, stands as a symbolic castle of the Edo shogunate and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Ieyasu built Nijo Castle to protect Kyoto Imperial Palace, where the Emperor resided, and to serve as his lodging during visits to Kyoto. The castle boasts numerous highlights, including the Ninomaru Palace (a National Treasure) and the Ninomaru Garden (designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty). The Ninomaru Palace, a prime example of Shoin-zukuri architectural style, captivates visitors with its magnificent architecture, Kano school screen paintings, and intricate ranma (lattice) carvings. The corridors of the Ninomaru Palace feature 'uguisubari' flooring, which creaks subtly with each step, evoking the authority and majesty of the shogun. The Ninomaru Garden is a tranquil oasis offering respite from the urban bustle, with an array of seasonal flowers. Designed as a pond-style strolling garden, it presents breathtaking scenery throughout the year, from cherry blossoms in spring and lotus flowers in summer to autumn foliage. Nijo Castle has witnessed the rise and fall of the Tokugawa family and played a significant role in the unfolding history of Japan. Take a stroll through this beautiful castle, experiencing its rich history, architecture, and gardens.

World Heritage
Castle

Basic Information

Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu Search for tourist attractions in Kyoto

Access: By Public Transportation: From JR Kyoto Station: Transfer to the Tozai Line at Karasuma Oike Station on the Karasuma Line, and get off at Nijojo-mae Station. City bus routes 9 and 50: Get off at Nijojo-mae. From Hankyu Karasuma Station: City bus route 12: Get off at Nijojo-mae. From Keihan Sanjo Station: City bus route 12: Get off at Nijojo-mae. From Keihan Sanjo Station: Transfer to the Tozai Line at Sanjo-Keihan Station, and get off at Nijojo-mae Station. By Car: Meishin Expressway: Approximately 30 minutes from Kyoto-Higashi IC, approximately 30 minutes from Kyoto-Minami IC. Parking: Details here Show route

Op.Hours: 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM (Castle closes at 5:00 PM)

Cld.Days: Year-end holidays: December 29th - 31st Ninomaru Goten (Palace) Closure Days: Every Tuesday in January, July, August, and December※, December 26th - 28th, January 1st - 3rd ※If the Tuesday falls on a public holiday, Ninomaru Goten will be open, but will be closed the following day. Honmaru Goten (Palace) Closure Days: The third Monday of each month※ and the following day※, December 26th - 28th, January 1st - 3rd ※If the third Monday falls on a public holiday, Honmaru Goten will be open.

Fee: Entrance Fee: Adults ¥600, High school/University students ¥400, Free for junior high school students and younger Ninomaru Goten Fee: Adults ¥400, High school/University students ¥300, Free for junior high school students and younger Honmaru Goten Fee: Adults ¥1,000, High school/University students ¥800, Free for junior high school students and younger

INFO: Please remove your shoes before entering Ninomaru Goten. Photography is prohibited. Food and drinks are permitted only in designated areas. Entrance may be restricted depending on crowd conditions.