Last updated：
Nijo Castle, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, witnessed pivotal moments in Japanese history—the beginning and end of the Edo shogunate. Today, its buildings and gardens, designated as National Treasures and Special Places of Scenic Beauty, stand as testament to its value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In this article, we’ll introduce the highlights of Nijo Castle in an easy-to-understand way. From the magnificent palace buildings and gardens to access information and historical background, we hope this guide will be helpful for anyone planning to visit. 2026 marks the 400th anniversary of the “Kan’ei Imperial Visit,” and we’ll also share information about special commemorative events.
Nijo Castle is a castle of the Tokugawa shogun family built in early Edo period, located in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto. With buildings designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties throughout its grounds, it has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Castles and is highly regarded as a World Heritage Site. This popular Kyoto destination attracts visitors from around the world who come to experience history and beauty concentrated in its palaces and gardens. Magnificent palace buildings and gardens dot the grounds, creating a space where history and aesthetics coexist.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:45 am–5:00 pm |
| Closed | December 29–31 |
| Visit Duration | Approximately 1.5–2 hours |
| Phone | 075 - 841 - 0096 |
| Official Website | https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/ |
| Parking | Parking Lot 1, Parking Lot 3 |
| Access | Exit 2 of Nijojo - mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line (1 - min walk) Nijojo - mae Bus Stop, short walk |
| Address | 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo - ku, Kyoto 604 - 8301 |
The Karamon Gate stands as the formal entrance to Ninomaru Palace, featuring a distinctive karahafu-style curved roof. The existing gate, built in the early Edo period, symbolizes the shogun’s authority and the castle’s prestige, welcoming visitors as the main entrance to the palace.
The gate is lavishly decorated with gold leaf and vibrant colors, featuring auspicious animals and plants—cranes on the front, guardian lions on the sides, and pine, bamboo, and plum on the back—each symbolizing peace, longevity, and prosperity. Its overwhelming splendor makes it truly worthy of being called the “face” of Nijo Castle.
Ninomaru Palace served as the official residence where shoguns conducted governmental affairs and ceremonies during their stays in Kyoto during the Edo period. It was primarily used for audiences and formal rituals, symbolizing the relationship between the shogun and the imperial court or feudal lords. As the core structure of the castle, it played a vital role. The palace consists of six connected buildings, each arranged according to distinct functions.
The current buildings are designated as National Treasures, making this one of the most impressive highlights within Nijo Castle. The shoin-zukuri architectural style has been preserved to this day, with the interior adorned with splendid sliding door paintings by the Kano school that captivate visitors. The paintings vary in theme and technique depending on the room, and their integration with the architecture is highly valued as artistic expression.
The “Ohiroma” (Grand Hall) is particularly significant—it was here in 1867 that Tokugawa Yoshinobu declared the return of political power to the Emperor. Simply imagining the shogun seated formally with his retainers in attendance allows you to feel the tension and historical weight that permeates this space.
The corridors connecting the palace buildings feature a mechanism called “nightingale floors” (uguisubari), which produce sounds when walked upon. This is said to have served as a security device to detect intruders, demonstrating that the palace combined both aesthetic beauty and practical functionality with an underlying sense of vigilance.
Ninomaru Palace is a space where politics, culture, and security intersect—truly the heart of Nijo Castle.
Ninomaru Garden, located east of Ninomaru Palace, is a strolling pond garden created in the early Edo period and designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Centered around a pond with carefully placed rocks, pine trees, and bridges, its calculated composition offers different views with each step—a true crystallization of garden artistry.
This garden is also a historical stage where a shogun and emperor actually met face to face. The tense stillness that pervades this formal space is striking. It’s a place within Nijo Castle where you can particularly sense “refined beauty.”
In 1626, this garden served as the setting when Tokugawa Hidetada and Iemitsu welcomed Emperor Go-Mizunoo. The mere fact that an emperor entered the castle was extraordinary, and this meeting was a symbolic event where the two highest authorities—the shogunate and the imperial court—faced each other. This garden, which conveys a sense of quiet historical tension, carries such special significance.
Honmaru Palace, located at the center of Nijo Castle, was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire, with the current structure relocated from Kyoto Imperial Garden during the Meiji era. Historically, it served as the shogun’s private quarters and emergency headquarters, and in modern times was used as accommodation for imperial family members.
Following major restoration work that began in 2007, the palace reopened to the public in September 2024 after 18 years. The long-closed space has been revived, allowing visitors to experience its grandeur up close. Note that different rooms with their sliding door paintings and cedar panel paintings are shown at different times of year, so the artworks you encounter will vary depending on when you visit.
Western-style features such as glass windows and Western-style room designs reflect Meiji-era Westernization. While unusual for a traditional palace, this “other face” of Nijo Castle that reflects the changing times offers compelling views for both history and architecture enthusiasts.
Honmaru Garden surrounds Honmaru Palace with an open, tranquil landscape where lawn and pond harmoniously blend. Although developed during the Meiji era, the garden exudes a quiet presence that enhances the dignity of the palace.
While lacking the dramatic presentation of Ninomaru Garden, this understated beauty is Honmaru Garden’s charm. Standing in the spacious lawn area, you may find yourself imagining the magnificent castle tower that once stood here, enjoying a leisurely moment of reflection.
Honmaru Palace and its garden create a space of tranquility where you can calm your mind. It’s a place worth pausing at after exploring the bustling Ninomaru area.
In the southwest of the Honmaru area lie the castle tower ruins. The five-story tower that once stood at the center of Nijo Castle was destroyed by lightning in 1750 and was never rebuilt. Today, only the stone walls remain, quietly preserving the memory of what once was.
Climbing the tower base reveals an expansive view overlooking the castle grounds, allowing you to intuitively grasp the structure and layout of the entire castle. The weathered texture of the stone walls and the sound of wind still retain traces of the past.
Because the magnificent tower was lost, this place retains room for imagination. As you gaze at the space spread below, contemplating the intentions behind the castle’s construction and its former activities, the lost tower may begin to materialize in your mind—a quiet and profound experience.
Developed during the Showa period, Seiryu-en is a garden with a distinctive presence within Nijo Castle. The western section features a traditional Japanese garden with stone arrangements, stepping stones, and waterfalls, while the eastern section spreads out as a Western-style lawn garden—offering completely different atmospheres within a single space.
The coexistence of Japanese and Western styles reflects Seiryu-en’s history of being redesigned as a reception facility for imperial family members in 1933. The intentionally designed space harmonizes tradition and modernity, giving the garden a somewhat modern impression with its unique charm.
In spring especially, the cherry trees planted throughout bloom all at once, gently coloring both the Japanese rock arrangements and Western lawn garden. During peak season, the entire garden is bathed in soft light, delighting visitors’ eyes.
The garden also contains structures such as the teahouse "Waraku - an" and the study “Koun-tei,” where visitors can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets while spending peaceful moments. With its emphasis on tranquility and openness rather than flamboyance, Seiryu-en is particularly recommended for adult visitors.
The Nijo Castle Painting Exhibition Hall was established to preserve and display the original sliding door paintings that once adorned Ninomaru Palace. Since the paintings currently displayed in Ninomaru Palace are all reproductions for preservation purposes, this facility allows visitors to view the “authentic” works—designated as Important Cultural Properties—in a properly climate-controlled environment.
On display are magnificent works by the Kano school, including splendid flower-and-bird paintings and pine tree scenes that combine grandeur with delicacy. You can experience the texture of gold leaf, paint colors, and detailed brushwork up close—qualities that cannot be appreciated in reproductions.
The exhibitions rotate by theme, allowing visitors to encounter new artworks with each visit. For those who want to experience the artistic value of Nijo Castle, this is a must-visit spot.
Nijo Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603 as a base for shoguns during their stays in Kyoto. For Ieyasu, who moved the political center to Edo while still emphasizing relations with the imperial court, a castle in Kyoto served as a symbol of authority and held strategic significance.
The castle continued to serve as lodging and ceremonial venue for shoguns’ visits to Kyoto, occasionally hosting audiences with emperors—a stage demonstrating the relationship between the shogunate and imperial court. Then in 1867, the 15th shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu declared the return of political power to the Emperor here, with Nijo Castle witnessing this historic moment that ended the 260-year Edo shogunate.
After the Meiji Restoration, the castle was used as an imperial villa, then transferred to Kyoto City after WWII. In 1994, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its architectural, artistic, and political-historical value now recognized worldwide. Nijo Castle has played important roles at every turning point in history—truly a “stage of history to be passed down.”
| Tokugawa Ieyasu builds Nijo Castle | |
| Emperor Go-Mizunoo visits Nijo Castle; Ninomaru Garden and other areas are improved | |
| Castle tower destroyed by lightning | |
| Tokugawa Yoshinobu declares the return of political power | |
| Becomes an imperial villa | |
| Transferred to Kyoto City; opens to public | |
| Registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site |
2026 marks the 400th anniversary of the “Kan’ei Imperial Visit.”
As mentioned in the “Ninomaru Garden” section of this article, in 1626 (Kan’ei 3), Tokugawa Hidetada and Iemitsu welcomed Emperor Go-Mizunoo to Nijo Castle. This imperial visit was a grand ceremony demonstrating to the nation that the samurai class and imperial court had joined hands, signaling the end of the era of warfare. The magnificent procession from the Imperial Palace to Nijo Castle, the daily performances of Noh and bugaku court dances, and the banquets held in Ninomaru Garden—Kyoto was said to have been enveloped in unprecedented splendor.
To commemorate this historic milestone, the “Nijo Castle Kan’ei Imperial Visit 400th Anniversary Festival” will be held in 2026. Special programs are planned to recreate the culture and performing arts of that era, including projects to reproduce period cuisine based on historical documents—offering visitors a chance to experience the atmosphere of 400 years ago.
A reenactment of the procession is also planned for December, with public participation being recruited. If you’re visiting Nijo Castle in 2026, be sure to take advantage of these special events that can only be experienced during this commemorative year.
Nijo Castle Kan'ei Imperial Visit 400th Anniversary Festival Official WebsiteAccess to Nijo Castle is excellent, with smooth transportation from major areas within Kyoto.
The nearest station is Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line—exit from Exit 2 and the castle walls appear right before 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 journey takes about 15-20 minutes and is the quickest route by train.
City buses from Kyoto Station are also convenient. Take Kyoto City Bus Route 9 or 50 and get off at Nijojo-mae Bus Stop, which brings you right in front of Higashi Otemon Gate. This is a recommended access method for those concerned about subway congestion or transfers.
Nijo Castle is closed during the year-end and New Year period. Additionally, Ninomaru Palace and Honmaru Palace each have separate viewing closure days, so please check before your visit.
Viewing Honmaru Palace requires advance WEB ticket purchase and time-slot reservation.
To view Honmaru Palace, advance reservation is required. Unlike Ninomaru Palace, same-day walk-in admission is not available, so please note this. Reservations are accepted online through the official website. (Honmaru Palace Viewing Reservation & WEB Tickets)
Reservation slots are limited, so early booking is recommended, especially during tourist seasons and weekends. Note that even without a reservation, you can still view the exterior and gardens.
Admission tickets and Ninomaru Palace viewing tickets can be purchased at the on-site ticket center, but purchasing WEB tickets in advance is recommended as it allows you to enter without waiting in line to buy tickets.
There are 3 types of tickets, with admission tickets being mandatory. Additional tickets are required if you wish to view Ninomaru Palace or Honmaru Palace.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| General | ¥800 |
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| General | ¥1,300 |
| Junior/Senior High School | ¥400 |
| Elementary School | ¥300 |
| Under 6 years | Free |
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| General | ¥1,000 |
| Junior/Senior High School | ¥300 |
| Elementary School | ¥200 |
| Under 6 years | Free |
Nijo Castle WEB Ticket Purchase Page
*WEB tickets can be purchased from 30 days before your visit date.
Nijo Castle is a “storytelling castle” that has witnessed Japanese history for hundreds of years. This place, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu and where Yoshinobu declared the return of political power, has served as a stage for crucial turning points throughout history.
At the same time, the Kano school sliding door paintings adorning the palaces and the calculated compositional beauty of the gardens teach us that this was simultaneously a space where the finest culture and art converged, beyond being just a political stage.
With recent restoration, the long-closed Honmaru Palace has reopened to the public, and Nijo Castle now wears new charms. Its continuing evolution through the ages reveals various expressions depending on the season or perspective of your visit.
You might savor the tranquility in the spacious gardens, or encounter authentic art at the Exhibition Hall. Being able to spend your own personal time amid the weight of history is one of Nijo Castle’s greatest attractions.
Please visit this special place yourself—walk, observe, and listen carefully to feel the “history and beauty” that Nijo Castle communicates.
