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Kyoto: Nijo-jo Castle and Ninomaru Palace Guided Tour

Top rated
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
810 reviews
Activity provider:
KYOTO CITY TOURISM ASSOCIATION
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Certified by GetYourGuide
Kyoto: Nijo-jo Castle and Ninomaru Palace Guided Tour
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
810 reviews

Explore Nijo-jo Castle on 60-minute guided tour conducted by official guide with exclusive access to some rooms. Learn why this is the best example of feudal-era castle architecture.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Duration 1 hour
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
M
Murray – Australia

Excellent tour, very knowledgeable guide, perfect speed and explanations

5
5 out of 5 stars
D
David – Singapore

Kiku was very knowledgeable of history and provide very interesting insights of court intrigue and power play.

Select participants and date

Highlights

  • Explore the best example of Japan's feudal-era architecture
  • Join this guided tour for unique insight into one of Japan's most significant historical and cultural assets
  • Get exclusive access to a part of the castle normally unavailable to the public

Full description

Nijo Castle was originally built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. After the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle served as an imperial palace, before being donated to Kyoto City and opened to the public as a historic site. These buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle architecture from Japan's feudal era.

Designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994, Nijo Castle is divided into three distinct areas: the Honmaru or main circle of defence; the Ninomaru, or secondary circle of defence; and the gardens encircling both the Honmaru and Ninomaru. 

Inside the castle grounds, you'll find the extravagant Karamon Gate, the entrance to the Ninomaru, and the castle's main attraction, the Ninomaru Palace. The Ninomaru Palace once served as the shogun's residence and office on visits to Kyoto and remains intact to this very day.

Includes

  • 60-minutes Nijo-jo castle guided tour (Higashi Ote-mon Gate, Kara-mon Gate, Ninomaru-goten Palace, Ninomaru Garden)
  • Nijo-jo Castle admission fees☆
  • Transportation

Meeting point

Nijo Castle Tour Ticket Booth (details provided in booking confirmation) Please enter through the East Main Gate and gather at the reception area next to the General Reception (on the left side after entering the East Main Gate). Please notify our staff at the reception of your presence.

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Important information

Know before you go

  • 【ご留意ください】当サイトよりお申込みのツアーは英語によるガイドツアーです。
  • This tour will be conducted only in English
  • ☆Admission fee to the venue is not included in this tour and has to be paid with cash on site☆
  • Please enter through the East Main Gate and gather at the reception area next to the General Reception (on the left side after entering East Main Gate).
  • Each paid participant can bring 1 child aged 0-12 to join for free.
  • Earphone will be only provided to paid participants. If earphones are required for children, please purchase adult tickets.
  • The child has to be accompanied by an adult during the tour.
  • If you wish to bring more than one child to the tour, each additional child would have to purchase an adult ticket
  • You will not be able to participate in the tour if you are not present when the tour begins. Please make sure you arrive well before the start of the tour.
  • Closed on every Tuesday of July, August, December, & January, December 26th to January 3rd due to the closure of Ninomaru Goten
Likely to sell out

From $17 per person

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5
4.7 out of 5 stars

based on 810 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5

Customer photos

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5
5 out of 5 stars
M
Murray – AustraliaJune 22, 2025 – Verified booking
Excellent tour, very knowledgeable guide, perfect speed and explanations
5
5 out of 5 stars
D
David – SingaporeJune 22, 2025 – Verified booking
Kiku was very knowledgeable of history and provide very interesting insights of court intrigue and power play.
5
5 out of 5 stars
A
Amber – United StatesJune 20, 2025 – Verified booking
Miki was a very engaging guide, and the tour group was not too big. we really enjoyed seeing the castle and hearing about the historical significance of the building.

Product ID: 310603

Activity provider:
KYOTO CITY TOURISM ASSOCIATION

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