Nijo Castle, also called Niijo-jo, is a historical castle located in Kyoto, Japan. Constructed in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate (first shogun of the Edo Period from 1603 to 1868). This castle was designed not only for defence but also as a place where the shoguns could live and hold government meetings and events. Today it shows us the real symbol of the shogunate’s power and legacy.
Related Article: Things to do in Kyoto, Japan.
History of Nijo Castle
History of the Nijo Castle can be divided in the different sections
like:
1. Construction Period
Nijo Castle was built during the Edo period in 1603 and completed in 1626. Initially they constructed it as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa leyasu, first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1868). Until the mid-19th century, Nijo Castle was primarily used by the Shogunate family and considered as the most important historical site for both political events, official events and government meetings.
2. During Meiji Restoration
Once Edo was hit by the Meiji restoration during 1868, the kingdom lost its significance and lost its political importance. After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was used as an Imperial Palace and was donated to the city and opened up to the public as a historic site. Later Nijo Castle was designated as a national historic site in 1884.
3. Recognised by the UNESCO Site
In 1994, Nijo Castle was recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its part of the historic monuments of ancient Kyoto and Edo legacy. Such an ancient building is still today considered as the most surviving castle palace architecture of Japan’s feudal era.
Nijo Castle Entrance Fees
Nijo Castle welcomes visitors to explore its historical beauty with
recommended entrance fees. Visitors can be allowed inside the castle depending
on the types of ticket and age of the visitors.
Adults: 1,300 yen (800+500 yen for to enter the Ninomaru Palace)
Junior High and High School Students: 400 yen
Elementary School Students: 300 yen (Including access to Ninomaru Goten).
Remember: The Honmaru Palace requires advance reservations and an additional 1000 yen admission fee.
Click here to book your Nijo Castle Tickets.
Nijo Castle Opening Hours
Nijo Castle is open regular season from 8:45 am to 17:00 pm (Its main
entrance will close at 16:00). Ninomaru Goten entrance will close at 16:10 and
it may be subject to change during spring and autumn.
Remember: From December 29 to 31, Ninomaru Goten will be closed on other days as well.
How Much Time is required to Explore Nijo Castle?
You should spend 2 to 3 hours exploring Nijo Castle (Including Ninomaru
Palace and Ninomaru Goten) Kyoto. But usually it will not take to explore the
castle, if you take 60 minutes guided tours conducted by the official guide
with exclusive access to some rooms.
Nijo Castle at Night
Nijo Castle hosts some of the captivating illumination events and
lightings. Nijo Castle is really spectacular to explore things like Tang Mon
gate’s golden leaf carvings, dragoons, cranes and pines, incredibly against the
Ninomaru Palace backdrop.
Nijo Castle often celebrates night festivals like Naked SakuraFestivals, Summer Festivals, Autumn Festivals and Interactive Illumination. Each festival offers digital art, music, aromatic installations and blossom illuminations. Sometimes visitors experience mapping fireworks, interactive artworks and wind chimes.
Its garden is witnessing to create brilliant light and shadows, especially its Penglai stones and the reflections in the water cast a serene view. It is really spectacular. Contemporary artistic lighting gives more push to castle’s architectures and walls, a blend of ancient and modern beauties. Never miss to experience the “Traditional paper lantern style” streetlights at Nijo castle, which is a really eye-catching one.
Night-time visiting hours: 18:00 to 22:00, with the last entry at 21:00
Night-time Ticket Price: 2000 Japanese Yen for adults.
Nijo Castle Map
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