Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle 

1. Unlike the Kyoto Imperial Palace, you do not need a reservation to enter Nijo Castle grounds 
2. There is no guided tours but there are some English explanation inside the main building you can enter. 
3. If you plan on walking around inside the main building (I suggest you do) make sure you wear your best socks because you will need to take off your shoes before entering. 
4. Nijo Castle offers a green tea ceremony you can partake in for 700 yen. 

Nijo Castle is located in Central Kyoto 

The following Pin will take you right there: 

Nijo Castle Google Pin

(Information below adapted from the website)
Address: 

541, Nijojo-cho, Nijo-dori Horikawa Nishi iru,

 Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8301

TEL: 075-841-0096

 FAX: 075-802-6181

Nijo Castle Website

Nijo Castle is one of many Sakura viewing spots in Kyoto. From the end of March to mid April, Nijo Castle holds a special illumination event. If visiting during this season, it would be best to visit in the evening. 

Otherwise, you can visit Nijo Castle any day of the week 

Opening hours 

8:45am - 4pm (the castle closes at 6pm)
*Ninomaru Palace viewing hours 9am - 4pm

Closed: 

New year period (26 December - 4 January)
Each Tuesday of January, July, August and December*
*When Tuesday falls on a public holiday, the castle will be closed the following day instead

Nijo Castle is interesting because it was the home to the first shogun (commander-in-chief) of the edo period in Japan. Visitors are allowed to enter the Ninomaru Palace, which is a collection of buildings that are connected by a nightingale floor that squeeks loudly when you step on it. This was used to warn guards of intruders into the palace. This was one of the more key features of this Castle. 

Nijo Castle Information Sheet  

Nijo Castle Information Sheet 2

As with most Japanese Castles, you will know your there when you see lots of greenery, a moat, and stone wall. As with most Japanese Castles, you will know your there when you see lots of greenery, a moat, and stone wall. 

We approached the main gate, where many people were taking photos. We by-passed this photo-opp this time. We arrived approximately 1:30pm Friday, April 18th 2014. 

As we entered, the main attraction was right in front of us,The Niomaru Castle. 

Shoes come and camera get put away. No pictures in here, unfortunately. 

As we followed the path we were lead into a garden area with lots of rocks, a small waterfall, and a pond. 

There was also an inner moat...

With Koi Fish!

Not sure what building this was, but it was closed to visitors anyway. 

Beautiful and bright trees in the garden 

And then of course you know it's the end when you come to a souvenir shop. We left about 2:45pm

Don't forget to stamp your book!

PROS: The nightingale floors is a unique feature of the Nijo Castle. The flooring of this part of the castle is covered in carpet so you don't have to walk on the hard wood floors. Throughout the Niomaru castle, there are mannequins set up in the different rooms to show the placement of people from that era. This visual aid helped to put things into perspective. CONS: While they do supply some English explanations throughout, it is very limited, and does not give very much information. Also, the Honmaru palace itself if not open to visitors due to insufficient earthquake safety measures. Also, almost in each room there is a sign that says the sliding doors are replicas and that the real ones are in another museum or location. This constant reminder, kind of took away from the entire experience because when I thought I was reading info about each particular room, it was actually a sign stating it was a replica. FINAL VERDICT: Nijo Castle is a great experience, however I would encourage getting one of the tour guide head phones to provide more information or at least reading up on it before entering. Its a calm place to visit, very relaxed and the garden space is beautiful.