Nijō-jō
Quick Facts
- Location
- Japan, Kyoto
- Category
- Castle & Fortress
- Duration
- About 2 hours
- Opening Hours
- Daily 08:45-16:00 opening, gates close 17:00 · The official site of Nijo Castle (nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp, checked 5 November 2026): the grounds open 08:45 to 16:00 with closing at 17:00, and the only full closure days are 29 to 31 December. Ninomaru Palace viewing is suspended on the third Monday of each month and the day after, on 26 to 28 December and on 1 to 3 January, and the site adds that if the third Monday is a holiday the palace can still be visited. Honmaru Palace dates are handled separately.
- Ticket Price
- Adult: The combined entry and Ninomaru Palace ticket costs ¥1,300, shown alongside a ¥1,100 rate · Student: The page splits several age bands, so only the fully matched lines are recorded here · The Honmaru Palace ticket costs ¥1,000 and runs on advance web booking sold from 30 days before the visit, with no group rate because of the narrow corridors and the conservation of the paintings, while the ¥2,600 combined pass is valid for a year from issue across entry, Ninomaru, Honmaru and the exhibition storehouse but not evening illumination events.
- Address
- Japan, Kyoto, Nijo Castle
- Coordinates
- 35.0122, 135.7421
Introduction
Nijo Castle is a grand old castle in Kyoto witnessing a turning point in Japanese history, famed for its splendid palace, fine wall paintings and beautiful garden - the glory and fall of the Tokugawa shogunate. Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in the early 17th century. Its core is the Ninomaru Palace with Kano-school gold wall paintings, and the famous nightingale floors (Uguisu-bari) that chirp when walked on. Inside are the Ninomaru Garden and Honmaru. A solemn heritage site.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 08:45-16:00 opening, gates close 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:45-16:00 opening, gates close 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:45-16:00 opening, gates close 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:45-16:00 opening, gates close 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:45-16:00 opening, gates close 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:45-16:00 opening, gates close 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:45-16:00 opening, gates close 17:00 |
The official site of Nijo Castle (nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp, checked 5 November 2026): the grounds open 08:45 to 16:00 with closing at 17:00, and the only full closure days are 29 to 31 December. Ninomaru Palace viewing is suspended on the third Monday of each month and the day after, on 26 to 28 December and on 1 to 3 January, and the site adds that if the third Monday is a holiday the palace can still be visited. Honmaru Palace dates are handled separately.
Ticket Information
| Adult | The combined entry and Ninomaru Palace ticket costs ¥1,300, shown alongside a ¥1,100 rate |
|---|---|
| Student | The page splits several age bands, so only the fully matched lines are recorded here |
| Child | Children below primary school age go free, and visitors holding only the entry ticket can add the Ninomaru Palace ticket at the information desk for ¥500, or ¥400 in a group |
| Senior | No senior line appears in the passages used here |
| Free Admission | Pre-school children enter free, and Honmaru Palace viewing always needs a booking even where the entry fee is waived |
The Honmaru Palace ticket costs ¥1,000 and runs on advance web booking sold from 30 days before the visit, with no group rate because of the narrow corridors and the conservation of the paintings, while the ¥2,600 combined pass is valid for a year from issue across entry, Ninomaru, Honmaru and the exhibition storehouse but not evening illumination events.
💡 Tips
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Nijō-jō?
Monday: 08:45-16:00 opening, gates close 17:00; Tuesday: 08:45-16:00 opening, gates close 17:00; Wednesday: 08:45-16:00 opening, gates close 17:00; Thursday: 08:45-16:00 opening, gates close 17:00; Friday: 08:45-16:00 opening, gates close 17:00; Saturday: 08:45-16:00 opening, gates close 17:00; Sunday: 08:45-16:00 opening, gates close 17:00; The official site of Nijo Castle (nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp, checked 5 November 2026): the grounds open 08:45 to 16:00 with closing at 17:00, and the only full closure days are 29 to 31 December. Ninomaru Palace viewing is suspended on the third Monday of each month and the day after, on 26 to 28 December and on 1 to 3 January, and the site adds that if the third Monday is a holiday the palace can still be visited. Honmaru Palace dates are handled separately.
How much is the admission for Nijō-jō?
Adult: The combined entry and Ninomaru Palace ticket costs ¥1,300, shown alongside a ¥1,100 rate; Student: The page splits several age bands, so only the fully matched lines are recorded here; Child: Children below primary school age go free, and visitors holding only the entry ticket can add the Ninomaru Palace ticket at the information desk for ¥500, or ¥400 in a group; Senior: No senior line appears in the passages used here; Free Admission: Pre-school children enter free, and Honmaru Palace viewing always needs a booking even where the entry fee is waived; The Honmaru Palace ticket costs ¥1,000 and runs on advance web booking sold from 30 days before the visit, with no group rate because of the narrow corridors and the conservation of the paintings, while the ¥2,600 combined pass is valid for a year from issue across entry, Ninomaru, Honmaru and the exhibition storehouse but not evening illumination events.
Any practical tips for visiting Nijō-jō?
Admire grand Nijo Castle - the Meiji Restoration turning point. Ninomaru Palace with Kano-school wall paintings; nightingale floors in the corridors.
How long should I spend at Nijō-jō?
A typical visit takes About 2 hours.
