Kyoto Nijo Castle Admission & Small Group World Heritage Tour

Nijo Castle: An In-depth Exploration with a Guide

Meet your local guide at Nijojo-mae Station and head to Nijo Castle. This tour is conducted in small groups of up to 10 people, allowing you to ask questions and communicate comfortably with your guide. Learn why Tokugawa Ieyasu built Nijo Castle in Kyoto and understand the relationship between the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled from Edo, and the imperial court in Kyoto. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the meaning behind each space, rather than just sightseeing.

The Shogun's Power Hidden in Ninomaru Palace

Explore the magnificent Ninomaru Palace and examine how the power of the shogunate and the strict social hierarchy of the time were expressed through its architecture. Pay attention to details like room size, floor height, and decorations, which are often overlooked. Experience firsthand the 'nightingale floor,' designed to chirp like a bird with every step. Discover the architectural features that were intended to impress visitors with the shogun's authority as you tour the grand gates, corridors, and opulent interiors.


Witness the Final Chapter of the Shogunate Era

Nijo Castle is a pivotal location not only for the beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate but also for its end. In 1867, it was the historical site where the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, announced his intention to return power to the Emperor, marking the Great Restoration of Political Power.

Encounter this significant moment in Japanese history, which spans approximately 260 years of the Tokugawa shogunate and transitions into the Meiji era, within the very space where it unfolded.