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

Special Offer

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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Kyoto: 2.5-Hour Private Nijo Castle & Imperial Palace Tour

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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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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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

Member Pricing

Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

4 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

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)

This bus tour is an efficient way to see Kyoto’s highlights in a single day. Instead of spending hours researching and planning, enjoy a well-planned itinerary with stops at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and Nijo Castle, or Sanjūsangen-dō Temple if Nijo Castle is unavailable. You can also choose between packages that include attraction tickets or exclude them, giving you added flexibility.

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

10 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

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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

Member Pricing

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

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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

Member Pricing

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 Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

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

Member Pricing

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.

...More

Kyoto Top Four Highlights Day Trip from Osaka or Kyoto

9 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

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

Private Kyoto Tour: Temples, Hidden Alleys & Local Stories

2 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Kyoto and Nara Customizable Private Tour (Local Licensed Guide)

Limited to **2 Groups per Day** We only provide **Local English-Speaking Guides** We have experience guiding Hollywood actors, including **Lance Gross** All of our team members were born and raised in Japan, giving us an in-depth understanding of Japanese culture, history, and traditions. This allows us to introduce you to Japan's hidden gems and authentic experiences that only locals know about. We also provide complimentary Japanese-language assistance in case of emergencies. In recent years, concerns have grown over safety incidents involving unlicensed or inexperienced drivers in the tourism industry. We set ourselves apart by prioritizing safety, professionalism, and reliability through our experienced local English-speaking guides. Our strong local connections allow us to arrange exclusive experiences, including access to invitation-only Ocha-ya (traditional geisha establishments) and private performances by geisha or maiko. We Are a Tour Guide Service Company

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Kyoto and Nara Customizable Private Tour (Local Licensed Guide)

6 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

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

Member Pricing

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

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

Member Pricing

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

Member Pricing

Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Private Tour in Kyoto with a Government Certified Guide

Embark on a whimsical journey through Kyoto's hidden treasures with our 'Mystical Kyoto Quest' tour! Uncover secret shrines, wander enchanting bamboo forests, and sip tea in traditional tea houses. Follow our knowledgeable guides as they unveil fascinating tales of samurai legends and geisha mystique. Traverse winding alleyways, sample delectable street food, and discover hidden art studios. Immerse yourself in captivating cultural activities like calligraphy and kimono dressing. Experience the thrill of a rickshaw ride through historic neighborhoods and revel in the mesmerizing beauty of illuminated temples at night. Unveil the mysteries of Kyoto on this unforgettable adventure that promises laughter discovery, and unforgettable memories. Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of this ancient city Note: if you are a solo or couple traveler, you might be ask to join another couple or solo traveler

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Private Tour in Kyoto with a Government Certified Guide

6 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

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What are people saying about Nijo-jo Castle

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

Toni_d, Nov 2026

You don’t see the whole...

You don’t see the whole grounds/gardens at Nijo Castle. A fair distance between the two locations so we ended up paying for a taxi ride in addition.

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

Joseph_P, Oct 2026

Superb Guide Provides Cultural Exchange

Our superb private guide Ceci explained the importance of each room in the castle and the symbolic meaning of the art works. Without the guide it would have been a meaningless walk through of the castle and palace grounds. Over coffee there was an opportunity for real cultural exchanges about life in Japan

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

Jeremy_C, Oct 2026

Great tour, we really...

Great tour, we really enjoyed it! Even on a hot day there was plenty of shade and time to take a break and enjoy the history!

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

Steven_P, Oct 2026

Fantastic tour with Jasmine

Jasmine was FANTASTIC! Super knowledgeable, extremely helpful, and oh so friendly! She showed us around Nijo Castle and even went with us to Gion since we skipped visiting the Imperial Palace due to heat (our decision). She directed us to the Nintendo store, POKEMON Center, and an owl cafe we ran out of time for but would have loved to see. It’s clear she really knows her stuff! We highly recommend her for tours in Kyoto!

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

Janis_S, Sep 2026

Seniors Review of tour

The expectations stated were mostly true. The write up states 9 maximum people and our group totaled 12. After the castle, we were told we had to take a bus, metro or taxi to the palace. This was not disclosed in the expectations. The taxi was 300 yen a person. Make sure you have the coins. Viator should include this transportation in their tour. The castle does provide tours by the staff free of charge. Another option.

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

Amanda_K, Sep 2026

Informative and relaxed with great English we were well accompanied and enjoyed our morning

Fantastic morning. Our guide was very knowledgeable and very helpful she explained how our day was planned and the history of Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace. Eloise also helped us with food recommendations train and subway directions for other self exploration.

Nijo-jo Castle

5.0

(30,520)

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?