Nijo-jo Castle - Helpful Travel Guide for Kyoto Visitors


Nijo-jo Castle structure was the sign of the power that the Shoguns (military warlords) had over Japan for much of its history.

The castle consists of two concentric ring walls for fortifications.

Nijo-jo Castle outer wall is made from huge stones surrounded by deep moats.

Other prominent structures inside the castle complex are the Ninomaru Palace, the ruins of the Honmaru Palace, various support buildings, and several gardens.

In Kyoto, the Nijo-jo Castle complex is also designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

More useful information below in this Nijō Castle (二条城, Nijō-jō) travel guide for visitors to Kyoto, Japan.

 

Nijō Castle Address

 

541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan

In Japanese: 中京区二条通堀川西入二条城町541

Nijō Castle Admission and Hours

Nijō Castle Entrance Fee :

600 Yen/ adult, an additional fee of 400 yen is required to enter the Ninomaru Palace

Ticket Machines are located on the right side of the main entrance to Nijō Castle

Different language audio guides are available for a fee (500 Yen) at the Entrance gate.

Nijō Castle Hours :

8:45 AM to 5:00 PM (October to June)

8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (July and August)

8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (September)

Ticket Counter and Admission ends one hour before the closing time.

Closed Tuesdays in December, January, July, August, and December 26 – January 4

 

Getting to Nijō Castle in Kyoto

 

From JR Kyoto Station to Nijo-jo Castle in Kyoto :

- Take Bus #9, #50 or #101 to Nijo-jo-mae Bus Stop

- Follow signs from Nijo-jo-mae Bus Stop


By Subway to Nijo Castle in Kyoto :

- Take Tozai subway line to Nijojo-mae Station

- Follow signs. Takes about 5 minutes (by walk) from Nijojo-mae Station

 

Recommendation and Tips for visiting Nijō Castle in Kyoto

 

- Wear good shoes and bring water. If possible Combine this castle with other shrines in the area.

- Nijō Castle visit should about an hour or more depending on your interest.

- Don't miss Ninomaru Palace while visiting Nijō Castle in Kyoto

 

Website

 

Non-Official Nijo Castle Website for Visitors

Kyoto Morning Tour: Kyoto Imperial Palace, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle - $66.00

Soak up temple and palace sights on this half-day guided city tour, great for those who want to see Kyoto’s top attractions in a short time. Travel by coach in the morning and visit UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle and the gold-covered Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) with an informative guide. Then wander through the Kyoto Imperial Palace — home to the emperor until 1868 — and see how royalty lived.