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Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle: Our most recommended tours and activities

Kyoto: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

1. Kyoto: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

Discover the highlights of Kyoto with a same-day or 2-day ticket on this convenient hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Admire the panoramic views from onboard the open-top double-decker bus, and hop on or off at any of the stops along the route. Enjoy informative audio commentary on board the bus, available in 7 languages. Choose this efficient way of exploring the must-see places and attractions in Kyoto. The bus takes you past many of the city's top attractions, including UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji, and Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. You can enjoy unlimited rides for the duration of your ticket's validity. Bus stops along the route:  • Kyoto Station • Nishihonganji ( Kyoto Tokyu Hotel) • Shijo Karasuma / Nishiki-ichiba Market • Nijo-jo Castle • Kitano-tenmangu Shrine / Kamishichiken • Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) • Daitokuji Temple • Kyoto Imperial Palace (Doshisha University) • Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion) • Heian-jingu Shrine / Okazaki Park • Gion (Kotowa-Kyoto Yasaka) • Gojozaka (Kiyomizu-dera Temple / Gion) • Sanjusangendo / Kyoto National Museum (Hyatt Regency Kyoto)

Kyoto: Private Customized Walking Tour with a Local Insider

2. Kyoto: Private Customized Walking Tour with a Local Insider

Explore your way with a private and customized walking tour to discover the highlights of Kyoto with your own local guide. See Kyoto Tower, Togetsu-kyō Bridge, Ginkaku-ji Temple, Nishiki Market, and more with an itinerary crafted to your personal interests. Depending on what sparks your interest, your guide will help you create an itinerary to see Kyoto's top attractions. Get insider tips on what to see and do, learn about the culture, and discover hidden gems along the way. Visit sacred sites like the shrine of Fushimi Inari Taisha or Kinkajuki Temple, explore the cultural Geisha district of Gion, or go off the beaten path in historic neighborhoods with the help of your guide. Walk the perfectly preserved streets of Higashiyama for a bird's-eye city view from Yasaka Pagoda, or amble eight minutes north to Gion, Kyoto’s famous lantern-lit geisha district and nightlife hub. Along the way, choose to sample street food at centuries-old Nishiki Market or head one mile west for green tea and pastel-colored wagashi confections in Sanjo-dori Shopping Street, a foodie’s paradise (food costs not included). If you're an outdoor enthusiast, take in a sunset view from Kurama, a natural hot spring area nestled in pine-tree-blanketed mountains reachable by a 30-minute train ride. Whatever you choose to do, your guide will help you get the most out of your visit.

Kyoto: Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace Guided Walking Tour

3. Kyoto: Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace Guided Walking Tour

Ever wanted to spontaneously book a tour on the same day you take it? This short guided walking tour will have you visiting two of Kyoto’s majestic sites in just two hours! This is perfect if you only have a couple of hours to spare. You can also choose from multiple start times for a time that suits you. The historical city of Kyoto is one of Japan’s most famous cities. It was once the capital of Japan and the place of the emperor’s residence for more than a thousand years. In this guided walking tour, we’ll explore the grandeur and rich history of Japan’s past with a visit to Nijo Castle. Admire the castle’s impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and intricate interiors that offer a glimpse into the lives of Japan’s shoguns. Learn about the Kyoto Imperial Palace and how it was once the residence of Japan’s imperial family. Your friendly TripGuru will take you around the impressive structure, giving you time to admire the stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and more.

Kyoto: Nijo-jo Castle & Ninomaru Palace Guided Tour

4. Kyoto: Nijo-jo Castle & Ninomaru Palace Guided Tour

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.

PERFECT KYOTO 1Day Bus Tour

5. PERFECT KYOTO 1Day Bus Tour

Discover Kyoto's must-see landmarks and World Heritages on the deluxe coach in 1day! In this tour we will take you to most famous places in ancient Kyoto such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sanju-san-gen-do Temple, Arashiyama, Sagano Bamboo Forest, Tenryuji Temple, Golden Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Departing from Kyoto at 8am. A comfortable air-conditioned coach will stop first at the Kiyomizudera Temple. Enjoying the wealthy nature from the significant terrace where you can admire panoramic views of the city below. Kiyomizudera Temple is one of the can't-miss points of interest in Kyoto. The old historic temple, reportedly opened in the year 778, is a designated world heritage site. Then we will visit Sanju-san-gen-do Temple, the Temple is also known as the temple of 33 spaces (Sanjusan means "33" in Japanese ), though its official name is Rengo-In. Its hall is Japan's longest wooden structure and consists of 35 columns that divide the building into 33 parts. Let's Say Konnichiwa to one thousand and one Kannon statue at Sanju-san-gen-do Temple, then the coach will take you to the Sagano Arashiyama area. After Explore east side of Kyoto, we will visit the other side, Sagano Arashiyama. Enjoy a Japanese buffet made with seasonal ingredients while gazing at Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge.The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby *Muslim-friendly meals, Allergy-friendly meals, lactose-free meals, etc. are not available. Please book the tour without lunch After lunch don’t forget to explore green tunnels, Sagano Bamboo Forest. The paths that cut through the bamboo groves make for a nice walk. The groves are particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. You can find Tenryu-ji Temple after passing through the bamboo grove. Feel the beauty of the Japanese garden throughout the four seasons at Tenryu-ji Temple, which is also registered as a World Heritage Site. Then the bus head to Kinkaku-ji(The Golden Temple) Rokuon-ji Temple, known locally as the "Golden Temple" and adore the gorgeousness and return to Kyoto with satisfaction. Finally, head to the most iconic place, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Going under thousands of Torii Red gate tunnels will be a memorable experience. You will finish the tour at Kyoto Station. The tour includes commentary from both our frendly tour guide and a Multilingual audio guide from English, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, and Ukrainian. The coach is always antibacterial coating and regularly ventilation, a comfy airconditioned bus with free wifi.

Nijo Castle & Kitano Tenmangu Shrine: Auidio Guide Tour

6. Nijo Castle & Kitano Tenmangu Shrine: Auidio Guide Tour

This is a self-guided tour (audio guide) using an app. *English audio guide *You can listen to it at home, on the go, anywhere *No ticket redemption required *This is not an official audio guide *Please do not make direct inquiries to the facility regarding this audio guide *Audio guides are available for purchase regardless of facility opening hours. However, if you go to there, please check the opening hours on the official website(not GetYourGuide). ■Audio guide spot 1.Nijo Castle(number of guides: 14) ↓ About 30 minutes on foot 2.Kitano Tenmangu Shrine(number of guides: 10) ■What can you hear in the audio guide? This is a self-guided tour of World Heritage Nijo Castle, Ninomaru Palace and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine while listening to an audio guide.Experience the evolution of Japan, from the prehistoric Jomon period through to the transformative Meiji Restoration, and hear stirring tales of deified courtiers and the vibrant life within the palace walls. *We only sell audio guides. *Please ensure to check the operating hours and closed days of each location from their official websites.(not GetYourGuide) ■HOW TO USE 1.After purchase, we will send a message to your email address registered with getyourguide. 2.From the URL in the message, please select "Listen on the app" or "Browse on Web". 3.You can listen to the audio guide. Audio guide time: 80minutes(It takes about 3hours more to actually listen while walking around the site) Number of guides: 24

Tour in Kyoto with a Goverment Certified Tour Guide

7. Tour in Kyoto with a Goverment Certified Tour Guide

Embark on a whimsical journey through Kyoto's hidden treasures with our 'Mystical Kyoto Quest' tour! Uncover secret shrines, wander enchanting bamboo forests, and sip tea in traditional tea houses. Follow our knowledgeable guides as they unveil fascinating tales of samurai legends and geisha mystique. Traverse winding alleyways, sample delectable street food, and discover hidden art studios. Immerse yourself in captivating cultural activities like calligraphy and kimono dressing. Experience the thrill of a rickshaw ride through historic neighborhoods and revel in the mesmerizing beauty of illuminated temples at night. Unveil the mysteries of Kyoto on this unforgettable adventure that promises laughter, discovery, and unforgettable memories

Kyoto Highlights 7-Hour Private Guided Tour

8. Kyoto Highlights 7-Hour Private Guided Tour

During this 7-hour tour, your private guide will show you around the city of Kyoto on a visit to 4 major must-see attractions. There are 2 different routes available: a northwest-bound route and a southeast-bound route. If you choose to take both tours, you can visit 8 different locations at a relaxing pace. The tour starts out at 09:00 from the Hotel Granvia Kyoto in the JR Kyoto Station building. When booking you are requested to select either the northwest-bound or the southeast-bound itinerary. On the northwest-bound tour you’ll visit the Bamboo Grove, the Rock Garden (Ryoanji Temple), the Golden Pavilion and Nijo Castle or the Nishiki Market. The southeast-bound tour visits the Sake Brewery, the Fushimi Inari Taisha, the Sanjusangendo Temple, the Kiyomizudera Temple and the Ninenzaka or Sannenzaka Slope. The tour ends at 16:00 near the Gion area, the geisha district of Kyoto.

Kyoto: 3.5-hours Historical Highlights Cycling Tour

9. Kyoto: 3.5-hours Historical Highlights Cycling Tour

Go on this cycling tour and explore the peaceful side of Kyoto.  Start this activity by learning about Nijo Castle. At Seimei Shrine you can find out how to pray at a Japanese shrine. Check out the Golden Pavilion and get ready to take great photos at Kamishichiken, the oldest geisha district in Japan.  After seeing the magical Golden Pavilion continue to cycle for a nice downhill ride to the Imperial Palace. Your guide will give you some insights into the history of this place.  At a traditional Japanese restaurant, you can discover the local cuisine with a variety of Soba dishes, as well as desserts with matcha and mochi. Feel free to visit a beautiful Japanese garden and a souvenir shop next door.  After this break, the tour will continue cycling back a relaxing ride along a beautiful route through the city. Finish your tour at the Kamogawa river and immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere while watching the locals enjoying their time.

Welcome to Kyoto: Private Walking Tour with a Local

10. Welcome to Kyoto: Private Walking Tour with a Local

Transform the way you travel and make it as much about the people you meet as the places you see. Get a welcome to Kyoto from a local host eager to share all the tips and tricks to help you make the most of your stay. Meet at your hotel or accommodation and get familiar with your local neighborhood. Learn about the best places to eat, buy groceries and the easiest ways to get around. Alternatively, arrange to meet at a central landmark or intersection to start your walking tour. Hear about the top things to do, customized to your interests. By the end of the tour, you will feel more comfortable navigating the city on your own with all the information you need.

Available activities

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Other Sightseeing Options in Nijo Castle

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What people are saying about Nijo Castle

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 252 reviews

We booked the 2 hour walking guide.We were very flexible with what the guide has planned for us. If you are looking for an experience through Kyoto through the eyes of a local, then this is the tour to book. In 2hours our guide managed to squeeze in Kyoto Tower view and explained how to use the subway and bus. So this is a must for first timers in Kyoto. We walked through the Nishiki market and Shinkyogoku. By far the best tour guide. Thank you Taibi

Best way to explore sights. I took the sightseeing bus for its entire loop while marking the route map of which points of interest I’d like to go back to and spend more time. The timetable of the route map was very helpful in going to one point to another as the sightseeing bus ran on schedule.

its very helpfull we cant find our meeting place in kawaramachie and the operator called us as soon as we e mail them

Great way to see the city.. The bus was punctual and clean. The commentary informative.

the spots are far and the bus helped a lot. the timetable is excellent!