Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo) was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns and is where the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, declared the return of power to the Imperial Court in 1867. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famed for the ornate fusuma paintings of Ninomaru Palace and its 'nightingale floors' (uguisubari). Castle-only admission is about 800 yen, with separate tickets and advance-reservation areas, so check the latest official information before visiting.
Ninomaru Palace (National Treasure) - a rare surviving shogunal palace with 33 rooms, over 800 tatami mats, and famous Kano-school painted sliding doors
Nightingale floors (uguisubari) - corridor floors that chirp like birds when walked upon, experienced in the Ninomaru Palace hallways
Karamon Gate - the lavish cypress-bark gate to Ninomaru with a curved karahafu roof and gilded ornamentation
Ninomaru Garden - a strolling pond garden traditionally attributed to landscape master Kobori Enshu
Cherry blossoms - around 400 trees including late-blooming varieties give a long bloom from late March through April, plus spring evening light-ups (Sakura Nights)
Good to know
RulesPhotography is completely prohibited inside Ninomaru Palace to protect the 400-year-old paintings; flash, tripods and selfie sticks are also restricted. The exterior and gardens may be photographed freely.
MannersYou must remove your shoes to enter Ninomaru Palace. Slippers are not provided, so wear easy-to-remove footwear and clean socks.
RulesViewing Honmaru Palace requires advance reservation via web ticket, bookable from 30 days before your visit. It is a separate ticket from castle admission, and even fee-exempt visitors must reserve - confirm the latest rules.
SeasonThe castle is very crowded during spring cherry-blossom season (late March-early April) and autumn foliage (November). Tour groups cluster between 10:00-12:00, so visit right at opening (8:45 a.m.) or after 2:00 p.m. for a calmer experience.
RulesClosed days vary by area. Ninomaru Palace closes on Tuesdays in Jan/Jul/Aug/Dec plus Dec 26-28 and Jan 1-3; the whole castle closes Dec 29-31; Honmaru Palace closes on the third Monday of each month and the following day. Check the latest schedule before you go.
Practical info
Located in Nakagyo Ward, central Kyoto. Immediately outside Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai subway line (from Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma line, transfer at Karasuma Oike to the Tozai line). City buses 9, 12, 50 and 101 also serve it. Open 8:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (castle closes 5:00 p.m.); allow about 1-1.5 hours for Ninomaru Palace and its garden. Verify fees, hours and closed days on the official site.
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