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Nijo Castle, Kyoto

4.3
#4 of 1,566 in Things to do in Kyoto
World heritage site · Castle · Landmark
Originally built in 1603 and holding World Heritage Site status, Nijo Castle presents an exemplary look at Japanese feudal architecture. The castle served as a residence to the first Edo shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the complex contains two concentric circles of moat and wall fortifications, surrounding the central palace and auxiliary buildings. Observe the sound you make as you walk through the corridors connecting various buildings on the "nightingale floors" designed to make noise and warn guards against intruders. PutNijo Castle into our Kyoto road trip site and find out what's close by, where to stay, and where to head next.
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Tours to Nijo Castle

FROM $157 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kyoto Private Custom Walking & Sightseeing Tour
5.0
Duration: 2 to 8 hours
Tours from $157 »
FROM $161 BOOK WITH VIATOR Kyoto and Nara 1 Day Trip - Golden Pavilion and Todai-ji Temple from Kyoto
4.8
Duration: 11 hours
Tours from $161 »
FROM $225 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour
4.7
Duration: 7 hours
Tours from $225 »

Nijo Castle reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
6,977 reviews
Google
4.4
TripAdvisor
  • By melindag386
    The palace was not open due to the New Year holidays but the garden was open. Most of the buildings were being renovated anyways so we wouldn’t have been able to go inside. It would be worth visiting....  more »
  • By GreggL25
    Beautiful castle interiors. If only they allowed pictures inside!! There’s a bit of construction / restoration in some areas but the main halls are accessible.  more »
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Google
  • By Rene Trevino
    A beautiful historic Japanese castle over 400 years old. It was a very open and large complex with much to see. The self-paced tour was easy and relaxing and best for us. A wonderful experience and we look forward to visiting there again. The gardens were great!
  • By Samuel Crisanti
    An easily accessible Castle, which makes it a great place to go if you have a few extra hours. The architecture is intricate and beautiful, as you would expect. If you do not want to pay the price of admission, the front gate is still a good place to take pictures, as well as walking around the outside wall.
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