Nijo Castle Tour

Kyoto's Nijo Castle became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 and is one of the best examples of feudal era castle architecture in Japan today. The castle was built in 1603 when the Tokugawa Shogunate emerged as the leaders of Japan. Until then, the country was a shattered landscape of local kingdoms all vying for power. Nijo Castle was built to be a fortress, defending against ninja assassins and possible invasion by warlords hungry to wrest control of Japan away from the Shogunate. After the Shogunate fell, Nijo Castle became an Imperial Residence and was then later donated to the City of Kyoto as a public historic site.

The best way to experience the castle is via a personal tour of the castle. Your guide will provide access to parts of the castle closed to the general public as well as insights into the historical, cultural and artistic significance of this beautiful castle.