UNESCO World Heritage Nijo Castle is a historical attraction in Kyoto. Once home to the Edo Period’s first Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, it also accommodated the Emperor after the collapse of Tokugawa Shogunate. Honmaru and Ninomaru are the main palace buildings to marvel at, especially by history and architecture buffs.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Nijo Castle
- Welcome to Nijo Castle’s Grounds
- Places to Visit Nearby
- Access, Opening Hours, and Ticket Information
- Takeaway and Nearby Attractions
Introduction to Nijo Castle
History of Construction
Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan's renowned ruler and unifier, established the fortress that symbolizes his grandeur and supremacy in 1603. Located at the site of the Imperial Court, Nijo Castle had been the Shogun’s choice residence when visiting Kyoto. Nijo Castle was the site for many important announcements and events, such as the proclamation of the beginning of the Edo Period, Emperor visitations, official ceremonies and more. This is despite the fact that the Tokugawa Shogunate had designated Edo (now Tokyo) as the capital.
Although Tokugawa Ieyasu kickstarted the construction, it is a shame that he could not see the completion of Nijo Castle. The Castle was only completed in 1626 under the reign of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the 3rd Shogun and also Ieyasu’s grandson.
In 1788, a huge fire that raged through Kyoto damaged many of the castle’s structures. Some parts were replaced with new structures that would make up the Imperia Villa in 1884. Indeed, the Honmaru Palace is actually not an original part of the castle. After the original structure burnt down in 1788, a new palace was built but was demolished. The current Honmaru Palace was originally from Kyoto Imperial Palace (7-mins drive away). The building’s main materials were broken down and brought over in 1894.
Eventually, the castle was handed over to Kyoto City in 1939. The following year, Nijo Castle was opened to the public for visitation.
※ Nijo Castle, "History and Highlights of Nijo Castle - Chronological Table" ※ World History Encyclopedia, "Nijo Castle"
Significance
Due to its historical significance as seen clearly above, Nijo Castle is recognized as 1 of the 17 Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto by UNESCO.
※ UNESCO World Heritage Centre, "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)"
Writer's Pick
Welcome to Nijo Castle’s Grounds
To fully appreciate the wonders of Nijo Castle, knowing its history, architecture, and highlights is important. We’ve got you covered on that end so read on.
Architecture
Nijo Castle is a surviving example of Japanese Castle architecture from its era. With a castle moat, inner and outer palace, traditional Japanese gardens, and stone wall foundations, the only thing missing is the original tower keep that was burnt to the ground with only its bottom stairs remaining.
As befitting a Shogun and in later years the Emperor’s abode, the castle’s interiors are lavishly designed with intricate wood carvings, gold leaf wall paintings (featuring tigers, sakura trees, pine trees, cranes, etc.), metalwork fittings, tatami mats, and ornamental fittings.
Nijo Castle is also famous for its “nightingale floors” said to be intentionally designed in such a way to work as a security device to alert against intruders. The sound is caused by the clamps rubbing against the nails within the floors supporting beams. Recently, doubts have arisen as to this so-called “security feature”. It seems that the nightingale-like sounds may just be an unexpected result of the wear-and-tear of an old building.
※ World History Encyclopedia, "Nijo Castle" ※ Asahi Shimbun Digital, “城や寺の「うぐいす張り」、実は「忍び返し」ではない？”
Castle’s Highlights
Kara-mon 唐門
Kara-mon are large gates characterised by karahafu, a large gable. They are typically available at shrines, temples, or castles and commonly used to show authority. Nijo Castle’s karamon is one of the grandest looking ones in Japan, with golden decoratives and animal and plant carvings to illustrate the castle owner’s high status.
Ninomaru-goten 二の丸御殿
This is the Shogun’s palace where he resided. It has six buildings connected by nightingale corridors. Richly decorated, it features gold leaf paintings, the most famous being the Tiger Rooms. Admire these well-preserved works of pure art.
Outside the palace is a beautiful traditional Japanese Garden called Ninomaru Garden - a designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty.
※ World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle, "Ninomaru-goten Palace" “Ninomaru Gardens”
Honmaru-goten 本丸御殿
As previously mentioned, Honmaru Palace was actually moved here from its original location in Kyoto Imperial Palace. It is surrounded by an inner moat accessible only by 2 bridges to its east and west. It is a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan due to its rare design as an example of royalty, more accurately for the prince, architecture.
Similar to Ninomaru-goten, gold leaf wall paintings are depicted here in extraordinarily intricate details, especially the Shokaku-zu. A garden called Honmaru Garden is located next to the castle. It features a sprawling land and an artificial lawn which makes it a Tsukiyama Garden.
※ World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle, "Honmaru-goten Palace" “Honmaru Garden”
Seiryu-en 清流園
The third of three gardens in Nijo Castle, Seiryu-en lies north of Honmaru and Ninomaru-goten. First built in 1603, the garden was dismantled and used for other purposes including as a tennis court, banquet area several times. It’s current and final look was completed in 1965, a combination of Japanese and Western-styles.
Its features include a flowing stream, water wheel, teahouses, garden stones, and more.
※ World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle, "Summary of Nijo-jo Castle" “Seiryu-en Garden”
Places to Visit Nearby
Nijo Castle’s facilities include a cafe, souvenir shop, and Waraku-an (teahouse). Still, if you’d prefer to go somewhere else, consider these places.
Clamp Coffee Sarasa
A coffee shop 8-mins walk from Nijo Castle’s main entrance. A chic homey cafe with wooden counters and good vibes, they also serve French toast.
Ran Hotei
A tea house 9-mins walk from Nijo Castle’s main entrance. Opened by a Canadian, Ran Hotei offers tea ceremony lessons in English as well. Enjoy matcha and matcha flavored cakes and desserts here.
Yanojisakuen
Located 13-mins walk from Nijo Castle’s main entrance, Yanojisakuen is a tea specialty store. Not meant for sitting down and slowly savouring tea but a great place to grab a quick green tea soft serve ice-cream snack then hit the road. Their tea leaves are of high quality so consider purchasing some as a souvenir.
Access, Opening Hours, and Ticket Information
Nearest Stations
The nearest bus station is Nijojo-mae right at the castle entrance.
For those arriving by train, the nearest Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line is 2-mins walk from the front entrance.
Opening Hours
Nijo Castle
8:45am to 4pm
Closed every 29 to 31 December.
Ninomaru-goten
8:45am to 4:10pm
Closed every Tuesday for the months of January, July, August and December. Also closed every 26 to 28 December, and 1 to 3 January.
Entrance Fees
Adult Price
Nijo Castle only: 620 yen
Nijo Castle + Ninomaru-goten: 1,030 yen
TIP
Ticket discount available with purchase of Subway / Bus 1-day Pass.
※ Nijo Castle, "General Information"
Takeaway and Nearby Attractions
Admire the beauty that is Nijo Castle, one of Kyoto’s most visited tourist attractions. Located in a considerably central location, Nijo Castle will fit well into your itinerary when visiting top attractions in Kyoto. Here are few of the nearby places to visit in order of distance:
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Nishiki Market
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Kyoto Railway Museum
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Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park
