Hi there!
According to the City of Kyoto, the Nijo Castle has “witnessed some of the most important events in Japanese history in the 400 years since it was built.”
This castle is now designated as aĀ UNESCO world heritage site and one of the top attractions in Kyoto.
Nijo Castle as a part of a one day Kyoto itinerary
I made a visit to Nijo Castle with an unlimited one day Kyoto bus pass:
- Nijo Castle (and teahouse)
- Kinkakuji Temple
- Ryoanji Temple
- Yasaka Shrine
- Gion to Kiyomizu-dera Temple walkĀ (with Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets)
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple
How to spend 5 days in Kyoto
- Day 1:Ā Top tourist spots with one day bus pass
- Day 2: Fushimi Inari Shrine through 1,000+ torii gates
- Day 3: Philosopher’s Path walk
- Day 4:Ā Arashiyama and Sagano
- Day 5:Ā Kurama Kibune Ohara with one day pass
How to get to Nijo Castle
Google Maps is a pretty reliable way to figure out your transportation options around Kyoto.
Bus to Nijo Castle
There’s a bus stop right in front of Nijo Castle.
If you’re coming from Kyoto station, it’s pretty easy to get from Kyoto station to Nijo Castle by bus.
You’ll find a platform that has a sign for buses to the castle, and you can catch a regular city bus or tourist bus. You can just take the next bus to Nijo Castle that arrives.
JR bus to Nijo Castle with JR pass
If you’re traveling in Kyoto with a JR pass, you can get to Nijo Castle for free.
There’s a bus stop on the JR bus route that is a 15 minute walk from the castle entry.
Train to Nijo Castle
You can also go by train (subway) to Nijo Castle.
There is a subway station that’s located about a 10-15 minute walk from the castle entry.
Japanese language tip: CASTLE
You might also hear Nijo Castle being referred to as Nijo-jo Castle, or just Nijo-jo.
The attachedĀ joĀ meansĀ castle.
But you wouldnāt useĀ joĀ on its own to talk about a castle in general. This is used when attached to the name of a castle.
On its own, you would call a castleĀ shiroĀ orĀ oshiro.
More below with what it’s like to visit Nijo Castle!
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Now…
A bit of what you can see with a visit to Nijo Castle!
Higashi Ote-mon Gate
Kara-mon Gate
As said by the City of Kyoto, this gate has:
Colored carvings of cranes, pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms, symbolizing longevity.
The carved lions protect the palace.
Ninomaru-goten Palace
As said by the City of Kyoto, in part:
The palace has 33 rooms and over 800 tatami mats and is decorated with paintings.
Subjects include hawks, tigers, and leopards, all of which stress the authority of the Shogun, as well as cherry blossoms and other flowers representing the 4 seasons.
Taking pictures wasn’t allowed for the interior of the palace.
Ninomaru Garden
Honmaru-goten Palace and Gardens
As said by the City of Kyoto:
It is a very rare survival of the palace architectural style of an imperial princely family.
As such, it has been designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
Inner moat
Japanese teahouse
There’s a teahouse located on the grounds of Nijo Castle.
This Waraku-an teahouse would be a good place to stop by for a break to rest up a bit, and more importantly, to make your own matcha green tea!
Carp!
You can also buy carp food to feed the carp.
That will cost 200 yen (US$2).
How much time is needed at Nijo Castle?
You’ll probably end up spending 1-2 hours here.
Be prepared for some walking!
How much does entry to Nijo Castle cost?
Entry to Nijo Castle will be around 600 yen (US$5). Price subject to change!
Check the official website for updated info.
What are the hours?
Hours can vary based on season and it may be closed one day of the week. (Tuesdays in July, August, December, and January.) It may also be closed around New Year’s Day.
Once again, check the official website for updated info.
Are there guided tours?
It’s possible that there will be a guided tour in English, as well as audio tours.
In 2018, the cost of the guided tour was 2,000 yen (US$18), and the audio tour was 500 yen (US$5).
See the information booth for current offerings.
Is there luggage storage?
There are coin lockers and a luggage check area.
Are there places to eat near Nijo Castle?
There’s more than just tea at the Nijo Castle teahouse if you want some snacks as you’re walking around the castle grounds.
Also near the exit is a small cafe where you can sit down to eat some snacks too!
There’s a gift shop too
And if you’re visiting Nijo Castle on a hot summer day…
Be sure to rest when you need to!
And on your way out, you can go through some mist to cool you down a bit!
HAPPY NIJO CASTLE VISIT!
Plan out your Kyoto itinerary that includes Nijo Castle!
More places to visit with one day Kyoto bus pass