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Nijo Castle

541 Nijojo-cho, Horikawa-nishiiru, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
+81 75-841-0096
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Ranked #13 of 317 attractions in Kyoto
Type: Castles
Owner description: This world heritage site was the home of Tokugawa leyasu, one of the most powerful men in Japan. The castle was built as a residence and not for... more » Owner description: This world heritage site was the home of Tokugawa leyasu, one of the most powerful men in Japan. The castle was built as a residence and not for defense purposes. However, to protect the shogun from enemies, special creaky floorboards were installed to warn of anyone approaching. « less
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641 reviews from our community

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São Paulo
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
29 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
39 helpful votes 39 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2013 NEW

This is a very well preserved castle, you can see inside that the rooms are preserved and you can believe that is old. The place is not very big so you can plan to spend 1 to 2 hours for this attraction.

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See 6 more reviews by atalho for Kyoto
Devon
Top Contributor
81 reviews 81 reviews
38 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2013 NEW

There is a definite signed route around the place. We didnt find anywhere to sit down until the end of this but very pleasant when we did. The garden was impressive. Its central location makes it easy to include in a walking day and is busy because of this. A fairly basic shop and cafe at the end.

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See 10 more reviews by MartinBDevon for Kyoto
Toronto, Canada
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

Could not see much, very controlled in where you can go and what you can see. Picturesque, pretty, it is not at all unique as Fushimi Inari.

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See 4 more reviews by luv2truv3l for Kyoto
Silver Spring, Maryland
Top Contributor
420 reviews 420 reviews
139 attraction reviews
Reviews in 163 cities Reviews in 163 cities
143 helpful votes 143 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

Nijo Castle is a set of fortifications which include Ninomaru and Honmaru Palaces and a garden. Nijo, built in the 17th century was the home of the Imperial Court, even after the capital was moved to Tokyo. Ninomaru Palace is open to the public and has multiple rooms with elegantly painted panels and ceilings. An interesting feature are the nightingale... More

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See 4 more reviews by areview28 for Kyoto
singapore
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

Took a bus from Kyoto station to Nijo Castle. Took about 15mins without much traffic. Is a holiday castle for the shogun 600 years ago. Is not huge in size compared to Forbidden City however it has other interesting areas that is worth viewing. It costs about 600Yen for the entrance fee and you may rent an english audio guide.... More

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See 6 more reviews by catteaa for Kyoto
france
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

This is truly worth visiting. All the plants and trees were stunning, the views from the remains of the lookout were magnificent, and the gardens were diverse and very pleasant to walk through. Lots of little surprises everywhere. I was thrilled to hear the "nightingale" floors in the Hinamaru Palace.

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See 4 more reviews by mieldelune for Kyoto
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Top Contributor
107 reviews 107 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 45 cities Reviews in 45 cities
121 helpful votes 121 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2013

The grounds are extensive. This is a great place for an easy stroll while enjoying the architecture, gardens, surroundings. At the highest point, you have a great view of the city.

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See 4 more reviews by nick_ng for Kyoto
North Sydney, Australia
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013

I must confess I only went to Nijo Castle to experience the famous "nightingale floor"-the first security system of it's kind developed to keep the Shoguns safe. When you step on the floorboards, they make a kind of singing sound like a bird. Upside-down V-shaped joints move within the boards when pressure is applied which makes the sound. It was... More

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See 3 more reviews by DrKazzawazza for Kyoto
Newcastle, Australia
Senior Contributor
47 reviews 47 reviews
36 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013

From the outside ... just another Japanese castle, but on the inside it is an imperial complex of management, power and Japanese style. A maze of rooms with elegant decoration and all movement in the emperor's quarters is accompanied by floor boards designed to squeak to prevent assassins sneaking in. The clever part is that they are designed to squeak... More

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See 5 more reviews by Wanderering1 for Kyoto
Boston
Top Contributor
147 reviews 147 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 56 cities Reviews in 56 cities
76 helpful votes 76 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013

Wonderful castle and garden.. the wood work and the panels are gorgeous.. hard to believe it's in the middle of the city.. Get there by bus from the train station.

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See 3 more reviews by Naim00 for Kyoto

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