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Nijo-jo Castle

(二条城)

Castle, Historic and Protected Site, and History Museum

京都市

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Nijo-jo Castle

8.8^/10

1,186

ratings

"nightingale floor cries"(6 Tips)
"It has a beautiful garden and a good cafe."(3 Tips)
"Amazing japanese gardens outside."(2 Tips)
"official Kyoto residence of the first Tokugawa shogun"(2 Tips)

78 Tips and reviews

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Fernando LemosOctober 5, 2017
Gardens around the castle are very nice, good place to walk and relax. If you have the Kyoto subway day pass, you can get a small discount on the entry fee.
Upvoted 2 weeks ago
Marc UKGSeptember 17, 2016
Loved the creaking floorboards inside the castle. Try to not make a sound while walking inside the rooms. The garden is beautiful too with a teahouse that has tasty scratched ice with mango.
Upvoted Mar 16
Artyom FedosovJuly 28, 2016
Interesting to see the shogun's lifestyle, how official ceremonies and meetings took place here and so on. Amazing japanese gardens outside.
Shana LeighMarch 6, 2018
I came for the art aquarium, but I will definitely be back to see the castle during the day! If you can, check out the art aquarium!!
Lisa StarbucksApril 3, 2017
The inside of the castle looked really in bad shape when you compare it with the state of the temples and shrines! Highlights are really the gate and the cherry blossom path.
The Ritz-CarltonAugust 9, 2016
Nijo castle was built in 1603 as the official Kyoto residence of the first Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu. The ostentatious style of its construction was intended as a demonstration of Ieyasu's prestige.
𝙻𝚒𝚕𝚒á𝚗𝚊 ✨November 7, 2019
Since the castle closes at 4pm we only managed to enter for the flowers by naked light show! Was amazing, highly recommended!
Cynthia DrescherMay 28, 2013
Wear socks! The large main building is open to visitors, but only if you remove your shoes and do not take photos. Be sure to continue around the garden to climb moat rampart for a great view.
M. R.December 7, 2013
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Nijo Castle grounds contain the Ninomaru Palace and Gardens and other cultural treasures. Easily accessed from Nijojomae Subway station. English guides available.
David B.October 15, 2014
Gives great insight of the life of the Shogun. Also, an amazing historical building on its own. And as everyone else, I think that the nightingale floor is just genius.
helio salemaApril 23, 2016
The visit is very restricted. They don't allow pictures and access to all the rooms. But it worth the visit. It has a beautiful garden and a good cafe.
Moises Hamui AJuly 3, 2018
In love!! Simply beautiful... this is japan to the maximum definitely is a must when visiting Kyoto
Upvoted 5 days ago
goopJuly 30, 2014
It’s massive and contains many beautiful paintings and the signature “nightingale” floorboards, which creak as you walk through so no one could sneak in. Read more
IrmaZandl ZandlSlantJune 5, 2017
Excellent insights into samurai/shogun culture
Rocío GonzálezApril 13, 2015
A must-see in Kyoto. Better in blossoming time. Entrance costs 600¥ each person
Cigdem Cakci RobertAugust 4, 2016
Kneel down to see the perspective and painting depth on the paintings in the chambers since all created for visitors sitting-in-seiza position. all tourists walk away without knowing that fact.
Alex AntoniuAugust 10, 2014
The imperial castle is a great way to discover some interesting facts about how the Shogun lived. A must see if you visit Kyoto
Kees PlattelOctober 16, 2016
Huge, and wondeful garden! The original canvases have been replaced though, and you can view them at the end of the route.
Edwin ShaoDecember 18, 2013
Tour the historical castle completed in 1626, which was built to provide lodging for Tokugawa Shogun and as a palladium for Kyoto Imperial Palace. Read more
Joel SavitzkyFebruary 9, 2015
Show up before 4pm so you can visit the entire castle!
Cian O DriscollSeptember 13, 2017
Beautifully restored and maintained. A must for anyone interested in the Edo period, Japanese art, gardens or wood work!
irenescoJune 6, 2017
Beautiful garden cafe inside serving udon and cakes - tatami style seating only
Andy FisherJanuary 10, 2014
Wear socks, because you will have to take your shoes off in order to enjoy the nightingale floors.
Vince OlanoDecember 6, 2010
The Tokugawa stronghold, Nijo Castle is another great stop in Kyoto, it depicts most of the dominant culture of Japan in the olden days, and is well-kept. Prepare to immerse in a wave of Japanese cult
Sedat Ö.April 16, 2018
Good and simple. Take Express bus from Kyoto Station. Mondays, main building is closed (where original parts kept)
César Ort GaJuly 1, 2016
This place is beautiful, I really recommend you to rent the audio guide it's really informative worth it!!
Koby OfekSeptember 25, 2010
If it's a sunny day, don't come at the late afternoon hours. The sun will block your view, and will make the visit intolerable. Otherwise, it's very fun! Walk around the castle and make squeaking soun
Michelle A.March 6, 2016
A must-see when visiting Kyoto. You can find the famous nightingale floors here! For more tips on Kyoto: http://sonderbarmii.com/exploring-kyoto-in-2-days/
SummerNovember 5, 2015
Such a beautiful night! Buy a ticket at tourist information or convenience store: ) there are bit cold !
Rachel RothApril 19, 2017
If there's a long line at the ticket booth, the machines are in English.
An WuNovember 8, 2017
History. It is worth to rent an audio guide.
hellaHongKongJune 26, 2013
You'll need to remove your shoes before entering. A beautiful Shogun castle over 400 yo. Buy tickets just before entering.
Benedicte SoterasApril 20, 2016
The ¥300 coin lockers outside are perfect if you have a small suitcase or even a big bag-pack.
George BarankovJanuary 6, 2018
Splendid garden views and astonishing castle. Try “singing floor” inside :)
Valerio FalluccaAugust 16, 2015
unesco world heritage place, deserves a visit. You will breathe the Shogun atmosphere
David WormleyOctober 3, 2015
They don't let you take photos inside, but that's not a great loss. Just make sure you get a shot of the outer gate without other tourists in front.
Ariel Christabelle ChanAugust 5, 2013
Not really that worth visiting given the admission fee and other more beautiful attractions in Kyoto methinks... Also not located near other attractions in Kyoto.
Eduardo ChristophNovember 20, 2015
The halls are breathtaking!
Yann PersonFebruary 11, 2016
Well-maintained old japanese castle! Must see if you come to Kyoto.
Claudia MJanuary 12, 2016
Note: Closed Tuesdays in Dec, Jan, Jul, and August. 600 yen adult admission (100 yen discount if you bought a pass)
BaileyNovember 24, 2016
A lot of good history and customs, the scent of wood is 💪 very awesome ❤️
TaiApril 20, 2017
If you only want to see one Japanese castle, this is the one.
Eva SchiaveJanuary 10, 2015
The English audio guide is not the best in the world. Save yourself a few bucks
K BNovember 20, 2022
Allow around 2 hours. The fee is ¥1300 but the Honmaru place is closed for renovations. The Nimaru Goden and garden are open and superb but no photos allowed inside. Go to the one in Nagoya for that!
Chloe LimDecember 6, 2017
Until December 11th, art-aquarium event there! Don't miss it!
Jacob RosenbergApril 10, 2013
Don't bother sending ninjas to kill the shogun. The castle is equipped with nightingale floors, hidden guard rooms, and decoy shoguns.
Joshefo JacquesOctober 25, 2016
Kyoto must !
Amy MaJuly 11, 2019
Can expect to spend around 2 hours here! 1000 entry fee
Sujatha Krishnan-BarmanJune 7, 2012
The painting of leopards and tigers is from a time when Japanese artists mistook leopards for female tigers apparently.
ChrisJune 6, 2016
Garden and palace are both worth the entrance fee

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