Nijo-jo Castle

Nijo-jo Castle is one of Kyoto’s most popular and impressive sights. It shows the power that the Shoguns wielded over the emperors throughout the Edo Period.

Nijo castle

With huge stone walls surrounded by deep moats, Nijo-jo Castle graphically demonstrates the power that the Shoguns (military warlords) wielded over Japan for much of its history. Unlike the more famous Himeji-jo Castle in Himeji, which soars skyward, somewhat in the manner of European castles, Nijo-jo Castle is characterized by low but nonetheless imposing and grand structures, all of which are surrounded by gorgeous gardens. You can enter the Ninomaru Palace, which is famous for its “nightingale floors” (squeaky floors that would alert occupants to the presence of intruders).

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The decorative panels and carvings here – almost rococo in their flamboyance – reflect the enormous power and attitudes of the warlords who occupied the castle. After touring the Ninomaru Palace, take a leisurely stroll through the wonderful Seiryu-en Garden, which surrounds the buildings of the castle. The only downside to this wonderful complex is that it’s on everyone’s “must-see” list, and it’s often packed with hoards bus tourists and Japanese school students out on school excursions. Try to beat the crowds by going just after opening.

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English address:
541 Nijojo-cho, Nijo-dori, Horikawa Nishi iru, Nakagyo-ku

Japanese address:
中京区二条通堀川西入二条城町541

Opening hours:
8.45am-5:00pm, last entry 4:00pm
Closed Tuesdays in December, January, July, August, and December 26-January 4

Admission:
Adults: ¥800

High & junior high school students: ¥400

Elementary school students: ¥300
Various combination tickets also available

Non-smoking area: Yes

Nearest Transport:
5min walk from Nijojo-mae Station, Tozai subway line

Nearest Hotels:
See hotels near to Nijo-jo Castle on Agoda.com

Telephone:
841-0096

Website:
Official website (English)

Near To Here:
Nijo-jo Castle is located in Central Kyoto. See our complete list of things to do in Central Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

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