Japan

Kyoto Japan – Nijo Castle | Travel Guide

Farrah25 Comments

Also known as Nijo-jo, it was built in 1603 and designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1994.

Nijo Castle is divided into two — the Ninomaru Palace and the ruins of the Honmaru Palace. The entire castle grounds and the Honmaru are surrounded by stone walls and moats. The elaborated gates are quite impressive too which I can’t help but to take a pose.

The palace consists of multiple separate buildings that are connected by corridors with floors (called nightingale floors) that squeak when you stepped on, served as a security measure against intruders.

Inside the palace are several masterpieces of Japanese art and huge rooms which some of it are intended for meetings and receiving of guests. It’s not allowed to take photos inside and you have to remove your shoes and leave it on the shoe racks upon entry.

There are several gardens around the palace too, such a huge surroundings with plenty of cherry blossom trees and other types of flowers. I’m pretty sure that the gardens are very beautiful during its season.

When you get tired of walking around, there’s a tea house somewhere in the garden near the exit, where you can rest, sip a tea and experience a traditional dining. While, the food selection is limited, we’d tried their ice cream, black beans dessert and matcha cake which I previously shared on Instagram.

KARAMON GATE

NINOMARU PALACE ROOFING
Isn’t it beautiful?!

HONMARU 

THE GARDENS (few parts only)

 

THE TEA HOUSE
With a beautiful scenery and very relaxing.

How to get there:

The entrance of Nijo Castle is a short walk from Nijojo-mae Station along the Tozai Subway Line.

From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma-Oike Station and transfer to the Tozai Line to Nijojo-mae Station. The whole trip takes (15 minutes). Alternatively, the castle can be reached from Kyoto Station by Kyoto City Bus numbers 9, 50 or 101 (15-20 minutes) or from Shijo-Kawaramachi by Kyoto City Bus number 12 (15 minutes).

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

Admission:
Adults: 600 yen
High & junior high school students: 350 yen
Elementary school students: 200 yen

Travel needs:
Accommodation nearby 
Travel/Day Tour Packages 

25 thoughts on “Kyoto Japan – Nijo Castle | Travel Guide”

  5. I have been to several temples in Japan, but I don’t think I have been to this one. Sounds bad that I can’t even remember all the temples. Hahahha, there are so many in Kyoto! I can only imagine how beautiful it must be here during cherry blossom season 🙂 Too bad you can’t take photos inside!

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  7. I am yet to make it to Japan but it is at the very top of my list. I love Cherry Blossoms and tea houses. So cute! You’re photos are so lovely. They make me want to head over there and find hidden gems like this.

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  8. I’ve been there! Such a gorgeous place! I forgot the name but now you reminded me. This place was walking distance from our ryokan! Beautiful temple!

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  9. OMG this place is beautiful!!! Your pictures did Nijo Castle justice, so I cannot imagine how magical it must be to see it in person. While I was in awe of the pictures, I instantly thought of the movie “The Last Samurai” with Tom Cruise. I am bookmarking this right now! Thank you so much for sharing!!!!

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