Step inside one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks — Nijo Castle, the former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the powerful shogun who ushered in over 260 years of samurai rule. Discover its rich history, impressive architecture, and symbolic political power during this immersive guided walking tour.
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Contact Jasumo Now →Highlights
- Discover the Kyoto base of the Tokugawa Shogunate
- Visit the gardens admired by the Shogun himself
- Learn about the power struggle between Shogun and Emperor
- Walk across chirping “nightingale” floors designed to detect intruders
Full Description
Join a local expert guide to explore Nijo Castle, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and uncover its political significance and architectural mastery.
Your journey begins at the main gate of Nijo Castle, where your guide will introduce the complex relationship between the shogunate in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and the imperial court in Kyoto.
Unlike traditional castles built for battle, Nijo Castle was constructed as a symbol of control and dominance. It was the shogun’s way of saying, “We rule, even here.” Walk through the Ninomaru Palace, a stunning example of feudal power, where even the room sizes and floor levels reflected rigid social hierarchies.
You’ll encounter the famous nightingale floors, designed to chirp when walked upon — a clever security system to expose intruders. Your guide will also point out the defensive corridors and strategically layered gates that reflect the shogun’s mastery of psychological warfare.
The tour culminates in the room where, in 1867, Tokugawa Yoshinobu formally returned authority to the Emperor — a pivotal moment that marked the end of the Tokugawa era and the beginning of the Meiji Restoration.
This is not just a castle — it’s a powerful symbol of Japan’s most transformative period.
Pricing
From ¥6,270 per person
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Includes
- Admission to Nijo Castle
- 1.5-hour guided walking tour with a local expert
Meeting Point
Meet outside Exit 1 of Nijōjō-mae Station.
Look for a guide holding a sign that says “Local Guide Stars.”
Nijojo-mae Station (Nijo-jo Castle)
Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
Reviews
“Great tour with a great guide!”
Made it a really cool experience and knew a lot about the castle. Afterwards, we got tips for sights to see during the rest of our trip and nice local places to eat — a top experience!
“Our guide Naoya was very friendly.”
He gave us detailed information about the castle, the shogun, the samurai, and the gardens. Thanks again for the friendly guidance through Nijo Castle!
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