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Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nijo Castle witnessed two of the most pivotal turning points in Japanese history: the beginning and end of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Today, the site is home to a variety of buildings and gardens designated as National Treasures and Special Historic Sites, earning global recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This article introduces the fascinating appeal of Nijo Castle in an easy-to-understand format. We’ll guide you through its iconic palaces and gardens, access information, historical background, and more—ideal for anyone considering a visit.
Located in Kyoto’s Nakagyo Ward, Nijo Castle was built during the early Edo period by the Tokugawa shogunate. The site is dotted with buildings designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, and it has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles. A place where history and beauty converge, it attracts many tourists from around the world. The majestic palaces and meticulously landscaped gardens offer a unique experience of traditional Japanese elegance and heritage.
Karamon Gate is a prestigious structure situated at the front of the Ninomaru Palace. It features a karahafu-style curved gable roof, typical of early Edo-period architecture. The existing gate symbolizes the authority of the shogun and the grandeur of the castle, welcoming visitors as the main entrance to the palace.
Lavishly adorned with gold leaf and vibrant colors, the gate showcases auspicious motifs: cranes on the front, Chinese lions on the sides, and pine, bamboo, and plum trees on the back. These carvings represent peace, longevity, and prosperity. The brilliant splendor of the gate truly makes it the symbolic “face” of Nijo Castle.
The Ninomaru Palace served as the official residence for shoguns during their stays in Kyoto. It was used primarily for governmental and ceremonial functions and represented the relationship between the shogunate and the imperial court or feudal lords. The palace is composed of six distinct structures, each designed with specific roles.
Now designated as a National Treasure, the palace is among the most impressive attractions within Nijo Castle. Built in the shoin-zukuri style, it features resplendent wall paintings by the Kano school. Each room has a different theme and painting technique, blending architecture and art into a highly regarded cultural expression.
The “Great Hall” in particular is historically significant—it was here in 1867 that Tokugawa Yoshinobu declared the restoration of imperial rule (Taisei Hokan). One can almost feel the tension and historical gravity in the air, imagining the shogun kneeling while his retainers stood nearby.
The palace corridors are equipped with uguisubari (nightingale floors) that chirp when walked upon, serving as an ancient security system to detect intruders. This clever design adds both practical value and a sense of drama to the structure.
The Ninomaru Palace is a space where politics, culture, and security converge—a true core of Nijo Castle.
The Ninomaru Garden lies to the east of the Ninomaru Palace and is a classic chisen-kaiyu-shiki (pond-stroll) garden, created in the early Edo period. Designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government, the garden is centered around a pond adorned with stones, pine trees, and bridges—meticulously arranged to offer a changing view with every step. It is a perfect example of garden artistry.
This garden also served as the setting for historical events, including the audience between the shogun and the emperor. The tense serenity of this formal space leaves a deep impression. Among all of Nijo Castle’s sites, this one especially conveys the refined aesthetic of Japanese landscape design.
Notably, in 1626, Shogun Tokugawa Hidetada and his son Iemitsu welcomed Emperor Go-Mizunoo here. It was highly unusual for an emperor to set foot in a castle, making the meeting a symbolically significant event that highlighted the relationship between the shogunate and imperial court. The quiet atmosphere of this garden reflects that exceptional history.
Located at the heart of Nijo Castle, the Honmaru Palace was rebuilt using structures relocated from the Kyoto Imperial Palace after the original was destroyed by fire. Historically, it served as the shogun’s private quarters and a refuge during emergencies. In modern times, it was used as a lodging facility for the imperial family.
After extensive renovations starting in 2007, the palace finally reopened to the public in September 2024—its first public access in 18 years. This reopening offers a rare chance to witness the grandeur of a long-closed space.
Western-style elements like glass windows and Western-style rooms, reflecting the modernization of the Meiji era, are among the palace’s unique features. Though architecturally distinct from traditional Japanese palaces, the building captures a transformative era in Japanese history, appealing to both history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
Surrounding the Honmaru Palace is the Honmaru Garden—a tranquil and open space featuring gently flowing lawns and a central pond. Developed during the Meiji period, the garden has a subdued presence that enhances the dignity of the palace.
Unlike the more ornamental Ninomaru Garden, the Honmaru Garden stands out for its understated beauty. The spacious lawn invites visitors to pause and reflect on the grandeur that once stood here, including the original Honmaru donjon.
The Honmaru Palace and its surrounding garden create a peaceful environment—an ideal place to relax after exploring the livelier Ninomaru area.
At the southwest corner of the Honmaru lies the site of the castle’s former donjon. Once a five-story tower dominating the landscape, it was destroyed by lightning in 1750 and never rebuilt. Today, only the stone foundation remains—a quiet testament to the castle’s past.
Climbing the base reveals sweeping views of the castle grounds. From here, you can appreciate the overall layout of Nijo Castle while imagining the scale and majesty of the lost donjon. The wind that brushes against the stone seems to whisper of the bygone era.
Precisely because the donjon no longer stands, the space invites imagination. As you gaze across the grounds, envisioning the castle’s operations and architectural intentions, the lost tower seems to rise again in your mind—making for a quiet yet deeply evocative experience.
Seiryuen Garden, developed during the Showa era, offers a unique presence within Nijo Castle. On its west side, it features a traditional Japanese garden with rock arrangements, stepping stones, and a waterfall. On the east side, a Western-style lawn spreads out—creating two contrasting atmospheres within a single space.
This fusion of Japanese and Western styles stems from Seiryuen’s redesign in 1933 as a reception garden for the Imperial family. Reflecting the tastes of that time, the garden was deliberately crafted to harmonize tradition and modernity. As a result, it presents a subtly modern charm that sets it apart from other castle gardens.
In spring, the cherry trees planted throughout the garden burst into bloom, gently adorning the rocks and lawns alike. During peak season, the entire garden glows in a soft light, delighting all who visit.
The garden is also home to buildings such as the tea house "Waraku - an" and the shoin hall “Kountei.” At Waraku-an, guests can savor matcha and traditional sweets in a serene setting. With its tranquil elegance and spacious design, Seiryuen is especially recommended for adult visitors seeking a peaceful escape.
The Nijo Castle Wall Paintings Gallery was established to preserve and exhibit the original wall paintings from the Ninomaru Palace. Due to preservation needs, all the paintings inside the palace itself are reproductions, but this facility allows visitors to admire the real artworks—designated as Important Cultural Properties—under optimal conditions.
On display are dazzling works by the Kano school, including paintings of birds, flowers, and pine trees. Their brilliant gold leaf, vivid pigments, and refined brushwork offer a sensory experience that replicas simply cannot match.
Exhibits change periodically based on thematic curation, so each visit offers a chance to discover something new. For those interested in the artistic value of Nijo Castle, this is a must-visit spot.
Nijo Castle was constructed in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu as a residence for the shogun during stays in Kyoto. While the political center of power had shifted to Edo, Ieyasu placed strategic importance on maintaining a castle in Kyoto as a symbol of authority and a means of maintaining ties with the Imperial Court.
Over the years, the castle served as a residence and ceremonial site for shoguns, and occasionally as a venue for imperial audiences—highlighting its role as a political stage between the shogunate and the court. In 1867, it became the setting for one of Japan’s most significant historical events: the 15th shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, announced the restoration of imperial rule (Taisei Hokan)—marking the end of over 260 years of Tokugawa governance.
After the Meiji Restoration, the castle became an imperial villa and was later transferred to the city of Kyoto after World War II. In 1994, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its rich architecture, artistry, and historical significance, Nijo Castle continues to be recognized globally as a symbol of Japan’s political and cultural transformation.
| Tokugawa Ieyasu constructs Nijo Castle | |
| Emperor Go-Mizunoo visits Nijo Castle; Ninomaru Garden is renovated | |
| The donjon is destroyed by lightning | |
| Tokugawa Yoshinobu declares the restoration of imperial rule | |
| Becomes an imperial villa | |
| Transferred to the city of Kyoto; opened to the public | |
| Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Nijo Castle is easily accessible from major areas within Kyoto, making travel stress-free.
The nearest station is Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line. Exit from Exit 2, and the castle walls will be right in front of you. From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma Oike Station, transfer to the Tozai Line, and get off at Nijojo-mae Station. The whole trip takes about 15–20 minutes and is the fastest route by train.
Kyoto City Buses also offer convenient access from Kyoto Station. Take Route 9 or Route 50 and get off at the “Nijojo-mae” stop, which places you right in front of the Higashi-Otemon Gate. This is a great option if subways are crowded or if you prefer not to transfer between lines.
Nijo Castle is closed at the end of the year, and both the Ninomaru and Honmaru Palaces have specific days when they are not open for viewing. Be sure to check this information before your visit.
To view the Honmaru Palace, you must reserve a time slot and purchase a web ticket in advance.
Unlike the Ninomaru Palace, same-day entry is not available for the Honmaru Palace. Reservations must be made online via the official website. (Honmaru Palace Viewing & Web Ticket Reservation)
Because the number of reservation slots is limited, early booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or on weekends. Even without a reservation, you can still enjoy the exterior and surrounding gardens.
You can purchase admission and palace viewing tickets at the on-site ticket center, but buying web tickets in advance is highly recommended—you can skip the lines and enter smoothly without waiting.
There are three ticket types, and the general admission ticket is required for entry. Additional tickets are needed to view the Ninomaru and Honmaru Palaces.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | ¥800 |
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | ¥1,300 |
| Middle/High School Students | ¥400 |
| Elementary School Students | ¥300 |
| Under 6 | Free |
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | ¥1,000 |
| Middle/High School Students | ¥300 |
| Elementary School Students | ¥200 |
| Under 6 | Free |
Purchase Web Tickets for Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle is a “castle that speaks”—a place that has witnessed the flow of Japanese history for centuries. Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu and later the site where Yoshinobu declared the return of power to the Emperor, the castle has served as the backdrop to Japan’s most transformative political moments.
At the same time, the Kano school’s magnificent wall paintings, along with the exquisitely designed gardens, show that the castle was also a hub of culture and art—not just politics.
Thanks to recent restoration efforts, the long-closed Honmaru Palace has reopened to the public, giving Nijo Castle a renewed sense of vitality. Even after all these years, it continues to evolve. Depending on the season and where you look, the castle reveals new and diverse expressions of its charm.
You can find serenity in the wide-open gardens or appreciate true artistry in the Wall Paintings Gallery. One of Nijo Castle’s greatest charms is that it allows each visitor to create their own meaningful experience within its historic space.
We encourage you to visit this extraordinary site—walk its paths, observe its details, and listen carefully. Let Nijo Castle speak to you, sharing its timeless story of beauty and history.
