Nijo Castle | Must-visit Castle in Kyoto, Japan
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From Kyoto Imperial Palace, we exited the west gate and made our way towards Nijo Castle, another must-visit destination in downtown Kyoto.
Nijo Castle is a traditional Japanese castle that was constructed for the first Tokugawa Shogun in 1603. Nijo Castle complex is a Japanese National Historic Site and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The massive outer walls of Nijo Castle is surrounded by moats. We entered through Higashi Otemon Plaza, or the Grand East Gate.
Inside, you need to pass through the secondary wall called Ninomaru via Karamon. Karamon is a grand Chinese-style gate with an intricate design.
The Ninomaru Palace complex used to be the residence of the shogun. We only see the beauty of this structure from the outside because we only availed the garden only ticket.
We followed the path to the left leading to the famous Ninomaru Garden. A traditional Japanese garden that features a large pond with three islands.
The tour also includes numerous garden paths and a distant view of Honmaru or the second palace complex.
After the Nijo Castle tour, we went back to Teramachi Shopping Street.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT NIJO CASTLE IN KYOTO, JAPAN
The best time to visit Nijo Castle is around spring time this is when the trees, and flowers are in full bloom.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO KYOTO, JAPAN - WINTER EDITION
Clothes for cold weather
Jacket
Comfortable shoes/ sneakers/ boots
Backpack
Camera / gear
Powerbank
Toiletries
Universal Adaptor (For Filipinos, no need since Japan is using the same outlet)
Tumbler
WHERE TO STAY IN KYOTO, JAPAN
These are the accommodation/s I’ve tried and would recommend to you. If interested, you can book via Agoda by clicking the link below:
HOW TO GET TO NIJO CASTLE FROM KYOTO IMPERIAL PALACE
To get to Nijo Castle from Kyoto Imperial Palace one option is to walk. It is around 20 minutes’ walk southwest of Kyoto Imperial Palace.
NIJO CASTLE BUDGET AND ITINERARY
The budget for Nijo Castle is shown below:
Adult Entrance Fee
Castle and Garden - 1,300.00 Yen
Garden Only - 800.00 Yen
NOTE: Rate may change.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING NIJO CASTLE
Aside from the basic things to consider in Japan, here are the things to consider in Nijo Castle:
Nijo Castle Information:
Website: https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/?lang=en
Address: 〒604-8301 Kyoto, Nakagyō-ku, Nijō-dōri Horikawa Nishi Iru, Nijōjō-chō 541
Contact Number: 075-841-0096
Nijo Castle Schedule:
Open from 8:45-17:00
There are some restaurant with in castle grounds.
KYOTO, JAPAN TRAVEL TIPS
Secure your passport
Be sure to have a credit card for emergency
Download the following Google Apps: Google Maps for Navigating and Google Translate for basic translation.
Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or eSim in advance. This way you’ll have data as soon as you land in Japan. I’ve tried pocket Wi-Fi during our vacation and encountered no issues on connections or signal.
If you are travelling around Japan, buy the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass in advance. For convenience, best to avail the Green Car option. For Green Car holders, best to reserve your seat in advance as well. You can buy the JR Pass here.
Since trash cans or sorting bins are not common in public places or streets of Japan, best to have a small plastic/paper bag for your garbage.
Travelling with luggage in Japan across multiple cities in Japan can be challenging. For a convenient experience, try a luggage delivery service.
If you want to avoid crowd in tourist spots, schedule your visit early morning.
Exploring Japan often involves a significant amount of walking, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes.
Instead of buying bottled water, bring your own tumbler.
WHAT’S IN MY BAG?
If you want to know more about the cameras, gadgets and travel essentials I use, check out “MY GEAR”
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