What’s the best way to experience Nijo-jo Castle?

There are plenty of ways to experience Nijo-jo Castle. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:<ul><li><a href="/tours/Kyoto/Kyoto-Perfect-Tour-Fushimi-Inari-Shrine-Kiyomizu-dera-Temple-and-More/d332-28575P18" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Kyoto/Kyoto-Highlights-with-Nijo-Castle-Ticket-and-Bamboo-Forest/d332-5522662P20" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kyoto: Nijo, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Kyoto/Full-Day-Kyoto-Private-Custom-Walking-Tour/d332-21490P11" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kyoto Customized Private Tour: See Top Attractions in 1 Day</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Kyoto/Kyoto-Nijo-Castle-and-Imperial-Palace-Small-Group-Walking-Tour/d332-92163P219" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour—3 Hours</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Kyoto/Private-Highlights-of-Kyoto-Tour/d332-39825P4" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour</a></li></ul>

How much does it cost to visit Nijo-jo Castle in 2026?

Tickets to Nijo-jo Castle cost ¥800 for adults, ¥300–¥400 for older students, and ¥300 for elementary students. Admission that includes Ninomaru-goten Palace costs ¥1,300, ¥400, and ¥300. Tickets to the Honmaru-goten Palace (reservations required), cost ¥1,000, ¥400, and ¥300. Tickets to the Painting Gallery cost ¥100 for everyone.

Do I need to purchase Nijo-jo Castle tickets in advance, or can I buy them on the day?

No. You don’t need to purchase tickets for most areas of Nijo-jo Castle in advance, though you can to streamline your visit. However, you must purchase tickets for the Honmaru-goten Palace on the castle grounds in advance. Purchase these online within 30 days of your visit.

What are the opening hours of Nijo-jo Castle?

Nijo-jo Castle is open 8:45am–5pm. Ninomaru-goten Palace is open from 8:45am–4:10pm and Honmaru-goten Palace from 9:30am–4pm. It's closed for December and New Year holidays. Ninomaru-goten Palace is closed Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December. Honmaru-goten Palace is closed on the third Monday of each month.

How do I get to Nijo-jo Castle?

Niji-jo Castle is in central Kyoto’s Nakagyo Ward and is easily reachable from other parts of Kyoto. By public transportation, take the Tozai Subway line to Nijo-jo Mae Station. Several buses also stop nearby, including 9, 50, and 12, although many travelers find it easier to use the subway.

Is Nijo-jo Castle accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?

Yes and no: Although Nijo-jo Castle’s grounds are covered in gravel, which isn’t easy for visitors in regular wheelchairs to navigate, free electric wheelchairs can be borrowed from the information desk. These require assistance from a helper or caregiver. Indoor wheelchairs can be borrowed for Ninomaru-goten Palace and Honmaru-goten Palace.

Nijo-jo Castle Tours and Tickets

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Kyoto: Nijo Castle World Heritage Guided Tour with Admission

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hours

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Nijo Castle Samurai Inside Story — Top-Rated Guide (Max 8)

Discover the secrets of samurai warriors during this exciting small-group tour around Nijo Castle. As you follow your guide from the east side main gate around the grounds, find out tales that most tourists miss out on—such as the secret roles of the samurai, unspoken rules, and hidden systems. You can also enjoy plenty of valuable insights into Japanese culture and the must-see highlights of the castle.

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Nijo Castle Samurai Inside Story — Top-Rated Guide (Max 8)

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace Visit with Guide

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Kyoto Full-Day Bus Tour: Nijo, Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari (EN/ES)

10 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

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Kyoto's two greatest power centers sit minutes apart, yet most travelers visit one without ever understanding how they shaped each other. This private tour tells the complete story — from the Shogun's calculated display of dominance in 1603 to the dramatic moment power was surrendered back to the Emperor in 1867. ✨Stand inside Ninomaru Palace on the famous nightingale floors, engineered to catch assassins ✨Discover how Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace defined 265 years of Japanese history ✨Enjoy an unhurried private experience with a Kyoto local as your guide ✨Walk the imperial gardens where the shogunate finally came to an end

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Private Nijo Castle & Imperial Palace Tour — Kyoto

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

4 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Crowd-Free Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle & Kinkaku-ji

Kyoto’s most famous attractions can become crowded, but this private tour is planned to help you avoid the busiest times, with early starts where needed. Rather than simply visiting major sights, a guide enriches the tour with special stories and insights that you wouldn’t find in a guidebook. Along the way, check off important landmarks such as Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Nijo Castle, and Kinkakuji Temple.

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Crowd-Free Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle & Kinkaku-ji

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Kyoto Morning Tour: Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle & Imperial Palace

Covering Kyoto’s top UNESCO World Heritage sites in a few hours on your own is difficult. Simplify your experience on this half-day morning tour. Visit Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), and the former Imperial Palace, with entrance fees and transport included. Depart from Kyoto or Osaka and travel comfortably between landmarks by vehicle, making the most of your limited time in the city. Entrance fees included.

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Kyoto Morning Tour: Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle & Imperial Palace

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Special Offer

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. Take a journey through time in Kyoto, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. Marvel at Kinkaku-ji, the golden temple known as the Golden Pavilion, which showcases the beauty of this timeless city. Visit Nijo Castle, celebrated for its palace buildings, which are among the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture from Japan's feudal era. The castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Explore the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, and visit the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

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From Osaka or Kyoto: Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Kyoto

9 hoursFree Cancellation

Special Offer

This guided tour helps you discover Kyoto’s dispersed temples, shrines, and cultural attractions in one day. Save time researching and planning your trip, by having the itinerary organized for you. Travel in an air-conditioned coach for a hassle-free day. Highlights include Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sagano Bamboo Forest, and Kinkaku-ji Temple—admission tickets are included for all.

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PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

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Take control of your Kyoto sightseeing and visit only the sights you wish to see on this private walking or driving tour. Ideal for first-time visitors, this private tour lets you customize a half-day or full-day itinerary, with a guide to provide commentary and insights. Opt to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nijo Castle, or stray from the beaten path to see an alternative side of Kyoto. Entrance fees extra.

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Kyoto Customized Private Tour See Top Attractions in 1 Day

4 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. Take a journey through time in Kyoto, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. Visit Nijo Castle, its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Visit the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, and explore the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Marvel at the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji that shows you the best of the timeless Japanese city, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

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Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

9 hoursFree Cancellation

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Follow a customizable itinerary through Kyoto during this bespoke half-day private tour. Simply select with attractions you’d like to visit and enjoy an in-depth visit in the company of your own personal nationally licensed guide. Tours include a front-door pickup at the front of your hotel. Travel like a local by public transportation or taxi; upgrade to include a private car at an additional cost.

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Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

4 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour

Explore Kyoto at your own pace with our self-guided tour app, immersing yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Begin at the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf, then venture to the Fushimi Inari Shrine to walk through thousands of vibrant orange torii gates. Admire the serene beauty of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before strolling through the charming Gion district, where you might spot a geisha or maiko. Experience local flavors at the bustling Nishiki Market, Kyoto's "kitchen," then marvel at masterpieces of Japanese art and architecture in the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Visit the Nijo Castle in the city center to see the power that the Shoguns wielded over the emperors. Continue to the picturesque Philosopher's Path for a peaceful retreat, lined with hundreds of cherry trees.

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Hidden Temples in Kyoto a Self-Guided Zen Tour

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Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide (Max 15 persons)

Price varies by group size

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Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

Kyoto One Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. Take a journey through time in Kyoto, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. Visit Nijo Castle, its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Nijo-jo Castle has witnessed some of the most important events in Japanese history in the 400 years since it was built. Explore the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, and visit the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

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Kyoto One Day Sightseeing Tour from Osaka or Kyoto

9 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Kyoto Bus Tour: Fushimi, Kiyomizu, Kinkaku-ji & Arashiyama

At every destination, this tour follows a flexible sightseeing style: a short group introduction to set the scene, optional guided walks for those who want deeper storytelling, and generous free time for independent exploration. This approach allows travelers to balance structured cultural learning with the freedom to personalize their experience, making it a highly rewarding way to discover Kyoto’s heritage.

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Kyoto Bus Tour: Fushimi, Kiyomizu, Kinkaku-ji & Arashiyama

10 hoursFree Cancellation

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Private Kyoto Tour: Temples, Hidden Alleys & Local Stories

2 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto! Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 3 to 4 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

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Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

4 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

The perfect choice for travelers looking to experience the best of Kyoto, this private tour will take you to a variety of key points of interest within the city. Choose from over 35 different locations including shrines, temples, historic districts, imperial villages, and more to create a custom itinerary that suits your interests. Visit sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, or the Gion geisha district, as you learn about Japanese history and culture while traveling with an experienced licensed guide.

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Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

Beat the crowds at Kyoto’s most popular landmarks on this private early-morning tour. An early start time ensures a calmer experience than busier afternoon visits, while the private format allows for a more personalized service. Either follow a recommended route or choose 2-3 attractions, such as Nijo Castle or Kiyomizu-dera Temple, then enjoy a fun adventure with your guide to provide commentary.

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Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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What are people saying about Nijo-jo Castle

Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace Visit with Guide

Zac_S, Aug 2026

My adult sons and I...

My adult sons and I really enjoyed the tour of the Castle and the Imperial Palace. We were absolutely blown away by the incredible history and our tour guide, Mia, was outstanding putting it all in context and explaining it in a very entertaining way. We just loved having her as our tour guide. It’s really been the highlight of our trip to Kyoto.

Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hours

Mason_F, Jul 2026

Amazing Tour and Guide!!!!

We had an amazing tour! We learned so much about the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the surrounding area. Miyake shared so many fascinating historical details and made everything engaging and easy to understand. The small group made it feel very personal, and he was incredibly friendly and easy to talk to. He also gave us fantastic Kyoto recommendations that will make the rest of our trip even better. Thank you so much for everything—we highly recommend booking with him!

Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hours

Jorge_C, Jul 2026

Very interesting tour and...

Very interesting tour and a good way to learn about Kyoto and Japan's political system. Eloise was a great guide with gave a lot of interesting infornation about the palace, castle, shogun and the emperor. She kept a great pace for all of us in the tour.

Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hours

Roberta_J, Jul 2026

Kyoto history

Very kind tour guide! We had a great experience leaning about the history of Kyoto, shogun era and imperial palace

Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace Visit with Guide

Lorne_S, Nov 2025

Mia was a superb guide on...

Mia was a superb guide on our tour of two historic palaces, and the lovely garden next to one of them. She not only explained what we were viewing, but she also offered an historical and/or cultural context that was very informative. She answered questions knowledgeably. Although the palaces were interesting, Mia’s commentary really added to our understanding of these sites.

Nijo-jo Castle

5.0

(29,430)

Kyoto

Know before you go

An admission fee is charged to enter the Nijo-jo Castle grounds.
English audio guides and in-person guided tours are available.
Although the Honmaru Palace is not usually open, visitors can walk around the Honmaru Gardens and climb the stone tower for views of the palace and gardens.

Nijo-jo Castle Tours and Tickets

100+ results

What are people saying about Nijo-jo Castle

Nijo-jo Castle

People Also Ask

What’s the best way to experience Nijo-jo Castle?

How much does it cost to visit Nijo-jo Castle in 2026?

Do I need to purchase Nijo-jo Castle tickets in advance, or can I buy them on the day?

What are the opening hours of Nijo-jo Castle?

How do I get to Nijo-jo Castle?

Is Nijo-jo Castle accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?