Nijyo Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kyoto. It was built as a Shogun’s residence in 1603. It is not a heavily fortified castle but is actually a lavish palace. The castle consists of many buildings and beautiful gardens. There are many artistic paintings and objects inside the buildings. Unfortunately, no photography is allowed in the buildings.
The castle mainly consists of two areas: Honmaru (the main palace) and Ninomaru (the second palace). Honmaru was created to welcome the emperor, but the original structure was burned and lost in 1788. The current structure is one of the emperor’s vacation home moved from another location. It was renovated and re-opened to the public for the first time in 18 years since Sept. 2024. Ninomaru is the shogun’s residence. It holds the original structure and designated as the national treasure of Japan. The palace is the main attraction of the Nijyo Castle and holds artistic paintings and carvings.
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Access
From Kyoto Station
Subway: Take Karasuma Line to Karasuma Oike Station. Switch to Tozai Line and go to Nijyojo Mae Station. The station is right next to the castle.
Kyoto City Bus: Take Bus No. 9, 50, 101 and 111 to Nijojo Mae. The buses stop in front of the castle.