HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Secrets of Nijo Castle Tour
Learn about Kyoto’s history and art through a special tour of Nijo Castle, with access to restricted areas
Kyoto City Tourism Association
In a city with so many temples, shrines, gardens and fascinating street to explore, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with choices in Japan’s ancient capital.
So why not start your Kyoto adventure under the care of an expert guide to discover some of the city’s secrets while exploring historic Nijo Castle, including special access to areas that are usually restricted?
Go beyond the towering white walls and massive East Gate of the castle and get to know the secrets behind it. Your guide will point out structures and decorative motifs that you might usually overlook and place them in historical context, giving you insight into what society was like when Kyoto was still Japan’s capital.
Discover the power struggles between the shogun in Edo (the former name of Tokyo) and emperor in Kyoto, learn about the symbolism of the intricate carvings and painted sliding doors, and walk the creaking nightingale floors of the Ninomaru Palace, before getting a tour of areas closed to most visitors. Your history-loving guide from Kyoto Visitors Host (KVH) will make the heyday of Japan’s ancient capital come alive on this tour.
How to get there
From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Line train to Karasuma-Oike Station (around 5 minutes). From there, transfer to the Tozai Line (2 minutes) and get off at Nijojo-mae Station.
541 Nijojo-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
