Nijo Castle
Open by month
Partly closed in January: Castle closed Dec 29–31; Ninomaru Palace also closed Dec 26–28 and Jan 1–3. New Year (Dec 29 – Jan 3): shorter hours or partly closed.
Open in February. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in March. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in April — at its best. Cherry blossom festival, late March to mid April.
Open in May. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in June. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in July. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in August. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in September. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in October. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in November. No seasonal closure recorded.
Partly closed in December: Castle closed Dec 29–31; Ninomaru Palace also closed Dec 26–28 and Jan 1–3. New Year (Dec 29 – Jan 3): shorter hours or partly closed.
Checked against the official site on 2026-10-12.
The Tokugawa shoguns' Kyoto residence. Walk through the painted rooms of Ninomaru Palace on its 'nightingale' floors.
World Cultural Heritage; National Treasure (Ninomaru Palace)
Nearby
- Nishiki Market ≈ 15 min by car
- Nishi Hongan-ji Temple ≈ 20 min by car
- Gion & Hanamikoji ≈ 20 min by car
- Kyoto Tower ≈ 20 min by car
- Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) ≈ 25 min by car
Travel times are rough estimates by car.
- Best time
- April — Cherry blossom festival, late March to mid April
- Closed or limited
- Castle closed Dec 29–31; Ninomaru Palace also closed Dec 26–28 and Jan 1–3
- Getting there
- Right by Nijojo-mae Station (Tozai subway line)
- Fee
- ¥1,300 (grounds + Ninomaru Palace); ¥800 grounds only
- Booking
- Entry and Ninomaru Palace need no reservation. Honmaru Palace viewing is by advance reservation (sold from 30 days ahead); buying web tickets in advance is recommended (official). official ↗
- Good to know
- Ninomaru Palace is closed Tuesdays in Jan, Jul, Aug and Dec
- Time needed
- 1 h 30 min
Checked against the official Japanese website on 2026-10-12. Report outdated info