Nijo Castle was constructed in the year 1603 in Kyoto, Japan. It is a historical site that signifies Japanese culture and serves as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The castle complex covers 275,000 square meters, showcasing Japanese architecture with two rings of fortifications, Ninomaru Palace, Honmaru Palace, and gardens. The Ninomaru Palace is primarily known for its nightingale floors. This is because everytime tourists walk through these floors, it makes a chirping sound.
The palace is known for its lavish interiors, featuring tinted windows, sliding doors, and wall paintings. Nijo Castle's gardens are masterpieces of landscape design, featuring a harmonious blend of rocks, water features, and meticulously pruned plants, reflecting the Zen aesthetic principles. The Seiryu-en garden, added in the 1960s, serves as a modern complement to the historical landscape.
Highlights
• Experience the unique "nightingale" floors in Ninomaru Palace which makes chirping sounds when walked upon.
• Stroll through the breathtaking Seiryu-en Garden with ponds to experience Japanese-style architecture.
• Marvel at the exquisite sliding door paintings by the renowned Kano school inside Ninomaru Palace.
• Enjoy the scenic environment while participating in the traditional tea ceremony.
• Indulge in delicious food served in restaurants outside the Nijo Castle.
How To Reach
By Car: Nijo Castle is located 4.3 km from Kyoto, Japan's city center. It will take around 11 minutes to visit via Horikawa Street.
By Foot: Nijo Castle is located 3.4 km from the city center of Kyoto, Japan. It will take around 48 minutes to visit via Nishinotoin Street.
Best Time To Visit
Nijo Castle remains open throughout the year. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to explore Nijo Castle in Japan. During this time, the city blossoms and looks breathtaking. Head to the Nijo Castle on the weekends for a fun-filled gathering. The best time of the day is to visit the Nijo Castle during the daytime at around 11:00 AM. You may also visit during the evening at 4:00 or 5:00 PM.
Other Essential Information
- To enjoy a scenic view and avoid the crowd, you must plan your tour to the Nijo Castle in the early morning.
- Nijo Castle is spread over a vast area. Therefore, you must wear comfortable shoes throughout to navigate the garden paths and the entire palace.
- In certain areas of Nijo Castle, photography is completely restricted. Therefore, it is important to follow the rules and regulations.
- Enhance your experience of traveling to Nijo Castle by listening to the audio guide.
- Do not miss a chance to explore the beautiful Ninomaru and Seiryu-en gardens. Both of these promise a unique landscape and a great scenic experience.
Explore the Ninomaru Palace
The Ninomaru Palace is the most prominent structure within Nijo Castle. Built-in 1603, it served as the residence and office of Tokugawa Ieyasu. This palace exemplifies Momoyama architecture, characterized by its low, sprawling layout and intricate details. The palace consists of multiple buildings connected by corridors, adorned with sliding doors or fusuma painted by artists of the Kano school. One of its unique features is the nightingale floors, which chirp when walked upon to alert occupants of potential intruders. The palace’s grand reception rooms, such as the Tozamurai and Shikidai, were used for important meetings and ceremonies.
Enjoy the Scenic Beauty of Honmaru Palace and Gardens
The Honmaru Palace, although less grand than the Ninomaru Palace, holds significant historical value. Originally built as the residence of the shogun, it was later reconstructed after a fire in the 18th century. The Honmaru includes residential quarters and a beautiful garden designed for strolling. The garden features a pond, meticulously arranged rocks, and well-pruned trees, reflecting the aesthetics of the Edo period. The strategic design of the Honmaru Palace, with its defensive walls and moats, highlights the castle's dual role as a residence and a fortress.
Enjoy at the Seiryu-en Garden
Seiryu-en Garden is a modern addition to Nijo Castle, which was created in 1965 to host cultural events and official receptions. This garden combines traditional Japanese elements with modern design principles, providing a serene setting that contrasts with the historical structures of the castle. It features two tea houses, Koun-tei and Waraku-an, which offer visitors a glimpse into the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The garden’s layout, with its careful arrangement of stones, water features, and plants, embodies the Zen philosophy of harmony and balance.
Admire the Architecture Beauty of Castle Fortifications
The fortifications of Nijo Castle, including the massive stone walls, moats, and gates, are significant both architecturally and historically. The inner moat surrounds the Honmaru, while the outer moat encloses the entire complex, providing robust defense mechanisms. Key gates, such as the Karamon and the East Gate, are notable for their elaborate designs and serve as entry points to the castle. The Karamon Gate, in particular, is a stunning example of Momoyama-period craftsmanship, adorned with intricate carvings and gold leaf, symbolizing the shogunate's authority and aesthetics.
