Moto-Rikyu Nijo Castle

The castle that oversaw the history of Japan.
Built as a villa in Kyoto by the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603, Nijo Castle is guarded by a fort 600 meters long from east to west and 400 meters long from north to south, which is surrounded by a moat. The surfaces of the hallways are specially processed so that they make a squeaky sound when stepped on, as a means of protection from intruders.

The main attractions are undoubtedly the Honmaru-goten Palace and the Ninomaru-goten Palace. Honmaru-goten Palace underwent full-scale repairs at the end of March 2024, and has been beautifully restored. The corridors of the Ninomaru-goten Palace, a national treasure, are called "uguisubari" (nightingale board), and they make a squeaking sound when you walk on them. The 400-year-old buildings of the Ninomaru-goten Palace, the Kara-mon Gate and the Ninomaru Garden, are unique survivals from one of the golden ages of Japanese architecture and design, the early Edo period, known for its ornate architecture and magnificent interiors.

Nearby is Kyoto Gyoen, which was Japan's imperial palace for over 500 years until the capital was moved to Tokyo.　

[Fee] Adults: 1,300 yen; Junior high school and high school students: 400 yen; Elementary school students: 300 yen; Preschool: free (Includes admission to the Ninomaru-goten Palace)
[Access] Short walk from Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line.
*See here for more details.
[Credit Card Payment] Accepted
[Foreign Language Support] Yes

*Photo provided by: Moto-Rikyu Nijo Castle Office