A complete guide to Nijo Castle in Kyoto
Image Source: Offical Website
Table of Contents
Overview
Nijo Castle is a 400-year-old (Est. 1603) castle that was built for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1868). The castle served as his primary residence and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Nijo Castle represents more than just a historical building, it's a living museum that narrates the complex political landscape of feudal Japan. Its stunning architecture, elaborate paintings, and innovative security features make it a popular attraction for all types of travellers.
One of the most famous aspects of the castle's architecture is the nightingale floorboards, which have been designed to whistle as people walk over them. This was an intentional feature that served to prevent assassinations by announcing the presence of anyone walking around the castle.
Nijo Castle consists of multiple buildings and gardens, with the main attraction known as Ninomaru Palace. The palace served as the main office and residence for the shogun and has survived in its original form despite various wars and natural disasters. Visitors can walk around the palace corridors and experience the nightingale floorboards while observing wax models of samurai, beautifully decorated ceilings, and carefully painted sliding doors. Outside the palace, you can climb up the stone foundation of the former castle keep which provides a nice view over the area.
Nijo Castle has a large garden area and hundreds of cherry blossom, plum blossom, and maple trees. The wide variety of cherry blossoms means it has one of the longest blooming periods in Kyoto, spanning around 3 weeks from late March to mid-April. The castle also hosts seasonal illumination events, featuring artistic projections installed throughout the castle's gardens.
Location & Access
Image Source: Offical Website
Nijo Castle is easily access via train or bus. It's a 5 minute train ride from downtown Kyoto, or a 20 minute bus from Kyoto Station.
🕗 Opening Hours
8:45am - 5pm
📍 Location
Northern Kyoto (Google Maps)
💴 Entry Price
¥1200 per person
Seasons
Image Source: Offical Website
🌺 Plum Blossoms
Late February to Early March
🌸 Cherry Blossoms
Late March to Mid-April
🍁 Autumn Leaves
Mid-November to Early December
☀️ Summer
July - August
Average temp. 33°C
❄️ Winter
December to February
Snowfall: 1-3 times per season
Interesting Facts & History
Image Source: Offical Website
Originally built in 1603 as the residence for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1868).
The Ninomaru Palace building is the original structure from 400 years ago, having survived numerous wars and natural disasters.
In 1867, Nijo Castle hosted the proclamation where the ruling shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, returned political authority to the Emperor, marking the end of the shogunate era.
Served as the imperial palace for 70 years after the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1867, before being donated to Kyoto City in 1939.
Features unique architectural defensive elements, such as bodyguard chambers, strategic corridors, and the famous nightingale floorboards that squeak with each step.
The castle grounds feature nearly 400 cherry trees of the late-blooming variety, making the site a popular cherry blossom spot during April.
Nearby Attractions
Image Source: Kyoto Samurai Experience
Nijo Castle is centrally located in Kyoto city near the main downtown area. The most notable nearby attraction is the Waraku Kyoto Samurai Experience. This is the perfect combination for a visit to Nijo Castle, offering a 2-hour experience to learn about the history of the samurai, their philosophy, and to wear traditional clothing while testing your skills with an authentic Katana blade. The experience is highly popular and constantly receives amazing reviews, costing $190 per person. Its popularity means it gets booked out quickly though, so early reservations are essential.
