Nijō-jō, Symbol of Power and Elegance from the Edo Period

541 Nijo-jocjomae, Horikawa-Nishiiru, Naka-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu 604-8301, Japan

The style of the entire palace and courtyard is very Japanese

4.4

Introduction

Nijo Castle is located in the center of Kyoto. It was built by the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and it was the place where the last shogun, Yoshinobu Tokugawa, returned political power to the emperor. Nijo Castle preserves the art and architecture of Japan's Momoyama Period and is recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The Honmaru, or main palace, is an important cultural property, while the Ninomaru Palace is a national treasure, featuring rooms where the shogun received daimyo lords and lived. The castle's gardens are also famous for their traditional Japanese design. Nijo Castle also features a corridor called the "Nightingale Floor," which was designed as a security measure to detect intruders. While the Honmaru is normally not open to the public, visitors can explore the Honmaru Garden. Additionally, Nijo Castle is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing and showcases vibrant autumn colors, making it a must-visit destination for travelers in Kyoto. The castle grounds also offer pedestrian streets and shops for visitors to enjoy local specialties and take breaks during their sightseeing.

Address

541 Nijo-jocjomae, Horikawa-Nishiiru, Naka-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu 604-8301, Japan

Opening hours

8:45-17:00 (last admission at 16:00) for Ninomaru Palace, 9:00-16:00 for Honmaru Palace.
During cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April), evening admission is open to the public. Closed on Tuesdays in December, and from December 26 to January 4, as well as on Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December (If Tuesday is a national holiday, the following Wednesday will be closed).

Transportation

Bus: Route 9, 50, and 101, get off at Nijo Castle Mae station.

Website http://www.city.kyoto.jp/bunshi/nijojo/