Nijō Castle

二条城 nijō-jō

Certainly one of the highlights of Kyoto, with fine gardens and splendid centuries-old structures. The castle was built by the Tokugawa shoguns to serve as the shogun's residence in Kyoto. After the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate, the castle served as an imperial residence before being converted to a museum and opened to the public. The series of ornately-decorated reception rooms within the Ninomaru Palace complex is particularly impressive, and known for its "nightingale floors" - wooden flooring which makes bird-like squeaking sounds when stepped on so as to give advance warning when someone was approaching. From the empty base of the donjon that once overlooked the innermost section of the fortress (known as the Honmaru), you can get good views over parts of the castle compound and the wider city beyond. The donjon and original Honmaru Palace burnt down in two separate fires; the current Honmaru Palace was originally part of a prince's residence, and moved to its current location in the Meiji Period (late 19th century). The Honmaru Palace was opened to the public for the first time in 18 years on September 1, 2024, but reservations are required, and it will cost an additional ¥1,000. See also Japanese castles.

• Limited wheelchair access
• Heritage listed
• Built 1601

• history
• outdoors
• viewpoint
• museum
• family

Address

541 Nijojo-cho, Horikawa-nishiiru, Nijo-dori, Nakagyo-ku

Getting there

Tozai Subway Line to Nijojo Mae

Hours

Daily 08:45-16:00 (Gate closes at 17:00), Ninomaru Palace closed on Tuesdays.

Price

¥1,300 for adults; ¥400 for junior and senior high school students, ¥300 for elementary school students, free for children under 6 years

Website

nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp (opens in a new tab)