Nijo-jo Castle Tours and Tickets

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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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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Experience ancient Kyoto on your terms with our immersive self-guided audio tour. Unlike rigid group tours, you'll explore at your own pace, lingering where you choose and skipping what doesn't interest you. Our expertly crafted narration reveals hidden stories and historical insights that even locals don't know, connecting you to Kyoto's soul in ways guidebooks cannot. Discover secret spots and authentic local perspectives as our professional narrators and refined sound design transport you through time. Each attraction comes alive through carefully researched storytelling that brings context to what you're seeing. Enjoy the freedom to customize your journey—visit attractions in any order, take breaks when desired, and truly absorb Kyoto's magic without being rushed. This isn't just information; it's a personal journey through Japan's cultural heart, designed for the curious traveler who seeks deeper connection and memorable experiences.

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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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What are people saying about Nijo-jo Castle

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

Shruti_R, Apr 2026

Fun and informative!

Was a lovely trip. Our tour guide CeCe was excellent. We learned a lot and was able to see the beautiful castle and grounds. The tour, though, was 18 people, so quite large for what was booked as a small group. This made it go a bit slower. There was also a need to go on the bus which we did not know about prior so we're not prepared with fare.

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

Tony_C, Mar 2026

Kyoto one of the imperial Capitals of Japan

Visiting the Imperial Palace and Nanji castle was a great back to back experience. Our guide Taki Spoke great English was very accommodating to requests and kept the tour moving.

Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace Visit with Guide

Margaret_C, Mar 2026

Our guide, Mia was...

Our guide, Mia was absolutely wonderful. It was obvious not only was she very knowledgeable, but she clearly enjoys what she does. I'm glad we booked the tour as it made walking through Nijo Castle and the Imperial Place more meaningful.

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

Karl_v, Mar 2026

Nijo tour with Katz

Katz was a fantastic guide with in-depth knowledge of the history of the castle and palace. He was super friendly. We would definitely take another tour with him.

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 Castle and Imperial Palace Visit with Guide

Jacqueline_C, Nov 2025

Wonderful tour with Mie of castle and palace

Mie was amazing! She was warm and shared so much information. Her English was perfect and she shared just enough historical information without going overboard, but answered any and all our specific questions, as well. She had some great visual aides to help explain things and also has a great sense of humor! Wonderful tour of both sites.

Nijo-jo Castle

5.0

(24,103)

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

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