About Nijo-jo(Castle)

Nijo Castle (Nijojo) is a historical castle located in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, and is a tourist attraction that offers a deep sense of Japanese history and culture. Its features, attractions, and recommendations are described in detail below.

First, the most significant feature of Nijo Castle is its historical value: it was built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu as a base for his stay in Kyoto, and later, in 1867, it is known as the place where Tokugawa Yoshinobu declared the Great Restoration of Japan. Nijo Castle is a place that has witnessed important turning points in Japanese history, and visitors can learn about its historical background.

One of the most attractive features of Nijo Castle is its beautiful architecture. There are many highlights within the castle, including Ninomaru Goten, Ninomaru Garden, and Honmaru Goten. The Ninomaru Goten is a building with gorgeous and ornate wall paintings and workmanship, and is particularly famous for its "nightingale corridor". This corridor has a device that makes a sound like a Japanese bush warbler's call when walked upon, to warn off intruders.

The Ninomaru Garden is another spot not to be missed. Known as a pond garden, it features a beautiful pond, a stone bridge, and a hill, and visitors can enjoy the scenery of each of the four seasons. Especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season in fall, many tourists visit the garden and are enchanted by its beauty.

Nijo Castle also hosts a variety of events and exhibitions each season. New experiences await you every time you visit, such as light-up events and special openings. We recommend that you check the official website and tourist information to enjoy events that match the timing of your visit.

Nijo Castle is also conveniently accessible. Located just a short walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line, it is also easily accessible by bus or cab from Kyoto Station.

As mentioned above, Nijo Castle is an attractive tourist spot for its historical background, beautiful architecture and gardens, and a wide variety of events. When visiting Kyoto, be sure to stop by Nijo Castle and enjoy its charms.