Nijo Castle: Explore Tokugawa Shogunate’s UNESCO Legacy

Nijo Castle stands as an unmissable historical gem in Kyoto, a fortress that has witnessed the rise and fall of Japan’s Tokugawa Shogunate since its construction in 1603. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle attracts visitors from around the world with its exquisite palace architecture and elegant Japanese gardens. This guide will take you through the allure of Nijo Castle, helping you plan an unforgettable visit.

Quick Facts About Nijo Castle

• Built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu
• Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994
• Features outstanding examples of castle palace architecture from Japan’s feudal era, particularly the Ninomaru Palace
• Comprises three main areas: Honmaru, Ninomaru, and surrounding gardens
• Famous for its cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and autumn foliage, offering scenic beauty in all seasons

A Glorious History

Nijo Castle was built in 1603 under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1868), as his Kyoto residence. His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle’s palace buildings 23 years later and expanded the castle by adding a five-story castle keep.

After the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1867, Nijo Castle served as an imperial palace for a time. Later, it was donated to the city and opened to the public as a historic site. Its palace buildings are considered the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture from Japan’s feudal era, leading to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Main Attractions of Nijo Castle

Karamon Gate

Upon entering Nijo Castle, visitors are greeted by the magnificent Karamon Gate. This Chinese-style gate serves as the entrance to the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense) and leads to the castle’s main attraction, the Ninomaru Palace.

Ninomaru Palace

The Ninomaru Palace is the highlight of Nijo Castle. This palace served as the residence and office of the shogun during his visits to Kyoto. The palace consists of multiple separate buildings connected by corridors with “nightingale floors” that squeak when stepped upon as a security measure against intruders.

The palace interiors are covered with tatami mats, featuring decorated ceilings and beautifully painted sliding doors (fusuma). The tour route passes through multiple waiting and audience rooms. Only the highest-ranked visitors were allowed into the main audience room where the shogun would sit on an elevated floor, flanked by hidden bodyguards.

Note that viewing the interior of the Ninomaru Palace requires an additional fee.

Ninomaru Garden

Outside the Ninomaru Palace lies the Ninomaru Garden, a traditional Japanese landscape garden with a large pond, ornamental stones, and manicured pine trees.

Honmaru

The Honmaru (main circle of defense) was once the site of a second palace complex and a five-story castle keep. However, both structures were destroyed by fires in the 18th century and never rebuilt. After the fall of the shogunate, an imperial residence was moved here from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, now preserved as the Honmaru Palace.

The interior of the Honmaru Palace has been closed to the public for the past 17 years but will reopen in September 2024, requiring a reservation and an additional admission fee. All castle visitors can walk around the Honmaru gardens and climb the stone foundation of the former castle keep for views over the castle grounds.

Castle Gardens

Green spaces and tree-lined walking paths surround the Honmaru and Ninomaru. The castle grounds feature numerous varieties of cherry trees, including a cherry orchard with nearly 400 late-blooming trees. The cherry blossom season at Nijo Castle typically lasts from late March through April.

The castle also boasts a plum orchard, which usually blooms from late February to early March, and Seiryuen, a half Japanese, half Western-style garden built in 1965 for cultural events such as tea ceremonies. Many areas of the castle grounds are populated by maple, ginkgo, and other trees that offer brilliant autumn colors, typically during the second half of November.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (late March to April): Cherry blossom season, offering the most picturesque views
• Autumn (November): Beautiful fall foliage
• Winter (late February to early March): Plum blossoms in bloom
• Avoid peak tourist seasons like Golden Week (late April to early May) and Obon Festival (mid-August) for a more serene experience

How to Get to Nijo Castle

The entrance of Nijo Castle is a few steps from Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line.

From Kyoto Station:

1. Take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma-Oike Station
2. Transfer to the Tozai Line to Nijojo-mae Station
3. The whole trip takes about 15 minutes and costs 260 yen

Alternatively, you can use these bus routes:

• From Kyoto Station: Kyoto City Bus numbers 9 or 50 (15-20 minutes, 230 yen one way)
• From Shijo-Kawaramachi: Kyoto City Bus number 12 (15 minutes, 230 yen one way)

Hours and Admission Fees

Hours:

• 8:45 to 17:00 (entry until 16:00)
• Entry to Ninomaru Palace from 8:45 to 16:10

Closed:

• December 29-31
• The Ninomaru Palace is also closed on Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December (or the following day if Tuesday is a national holiday) and from December 26 to January 3

Admission:

• Basic admission: 800 yen
• Additional fee for Ninomaru Palace: 500 yen
• Honmaru Palace (opening from September 1, 2024): Requires advance reservations (possible from August 2, 2024) and an additional 1000 yen admission fee

Visitor Tips

1. Purchase tickets in advance to avoid queues, especially during peak seasons
2. Rent an English audio guide for in-depth historical information
3. Wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot of walking involved
4. Respect the environment by not touching or damaging the ancient structures and gardens
5. Follow photography rules, as some areas may prohibit picture-taking
6. Maintain a quiet atmosphere during your visit out of respect for other visitors

Official Website

World Heritage Site Former Imperial Villa Nijo-jo Castle (Nijo-jo)

Conclusion

Nijo Castle offers an exceptional glimpse into Japan’s feudal history and traditional architectural artistry. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture buff, or simply looking to admire beautiful Japanese gardens, Nijo Castle is sure to leave a lasting impression. It’s not just a pride of Kyoto but a treasure of Japan’s cultural heritage. When planning your Kyoto itinerary, be sure to include this captivating castle and experience firsthand the grandeur and elegance of the shogun’s former domain.