Frequently Asked Questions
English answers are machine-translated from the property's Japanese information. Please confirm important details with the property directly.
Or browse the answers we’ve already prepared below.
These answers were written by AI from the property's official website. The property has not checked them. Collected on July 31, 2026. Prices and times may be out of date, so please confirm anything important with the property.
Access (1)
What is the nearest station?
The nearest is Nijojo-mae on the subway Tozai Line, right in front of the castle as you leave. The Nijojo-mae city bus stop can also be used. From JR Kyoto Station it is about 20 minutes on city bus routes 9, 50 or 101.
Events (1)
Are there special evening openings?
Special evening openings with illuminations are held in spring, autumn and winter, showing the cherry blossom, autumn leaves or snow-covered gardens and the historic buildings in a magical light. Please see the official website for dates and prices.
Opening (1)
When is the castle closed?
The castle is closed from 29 to 31 December. The Ninomaru Palace is closed from 26 to 28 December, from 1 to 3 January and every Tuesday in January, July, August and December (the following day when Tuesday is a public holiday). The castle also closes on the third Monday of each month and the following day.
Prices / Hours (1)
What are the opening hours and admission?
The castle is open 8:45-16:00 (closing at 17:00), and the Ninomaru Palace can be seen 9:00-16:00. Admission is 1,300 yen for general visitors (including the Ninomaru Palace), 400 yen for junior and senior high school students, 300 yen for elementary school children, and free for under school age.
History (2)
What was the Taisei Hokan?
In 1867, at Nijo Castle, the fifteenth shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu declared his intention to return power to the emperor. The castle is known as the setting for the end of the Edo shogunate after 265 years.
Is it a World Heritage site?
Yes. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994 as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
Highlights (2)
What is the National Treasure Ninomaru Palace?
It was the seat of the Tokugawa shoguns' government in Kyoto, notable for its Momoyama-period architecture and lavish painted screens by artists of the Kano school. It is also famous for its nightingale floors, which squeak like a bird as you walk along the corridors.
When is the cherry blossom at its best?
In spring about 300 trees of some 50 varieties, including sato-zakura and weeping cherry, bloom in succession. The Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival is held to coincide with them, with evening illuminations.
Tours (2)
Can I see the Honmaru Palace too?
The Honmaru Palace (an Important Cultural Property) can also be seen. It was moved here in 1894 from the residence of the Katsuranomiya family. Please see the official website for opening periods and conditions.
How long does a visit take?
Seeing the Ninomaru Palace, the Honmaru Palace and the Ninomaru and Honmaru gardens carefully takes about 2 to 3 hours. The Ninomaru Palace alone takes about an hour.
Parking (1)
Is there parking?
There are car parks and cycle parks inside and outside the castle. Details of those inside are on the access page of the official website. It is busy in the tourist seasons, so public transport is also recommended.
Other (6)
When is it closed?
The third Monday of each month and the following day, 26-28 December, 1-3 January and 29-31 December (castle closed). The Ninomaru Palace is also closed every Tuesday in January, July, August and December.
What is the address?
541 Nijojocho, Nijo-dori Horikawa Nishi-iru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Is there parking?
Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.
How much is admission?
General 1,300 yen (including the Ninomaru Palace), junior and senior high school students 400 yen, elementary school children 300 yen, under school age free.
How do I get there?
Right by Nijojo-mae Station on the subway Tozai Line, or by the Nijojo-mae stop on the city bus.
What are the opening hours?
8:45-16:00 (the castle closes at 17:00). The Ninomaru Palace can be seen 9:00-16:00.