Question 1

What is the nearest station?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Are there special evening openings?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

When is the castle closed?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What are the opening hours and admission?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What was the Taisei Hokan?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Is it a World Heritage site?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994 as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

Question 7

What is the National Treasure Ninomaru Palace?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

When is the cherry blossom at its best?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Can I see the Honmaru Palace too?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

How long does a visit take?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

541 Nijojocho, Nijo-dori Horikawa Nishi-iru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Question 14

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 15

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

Right by Nijojo-mae Station on the subway Tozai Line, or by the Nijojo-mae stop on the city bus.

Question 17

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

8:45-16:00 (the castle closes at 17:00). The Ninomaru Palace can be seen 9:00-16:00.

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