Japan Travel｜80% of people who come to Kyoto will regret not visiting Nijo Castle

Many people visit Kyoto mainly to see various shrines and temples. Perhaps it's because I've watched too many Japanese historical dramas, but I'm really fascinated by buildings with stories like 'Ōoku' 😂, so I came to Nijo Castle. To be honest, Kyoto is a place to see the 'ancient capital'. Japanese culture: Shinto, Shogunate Royalty, and the beauty of 'Ichigo Ichie' are all indispensable. So if you come to Kyoto and don't visit Nijo Castle, you will really regret it. It's like missing one-third of Kyoto's soul. 🌈 Scenic Features: Nijo Castle, also known as Nijo Palace, was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603. It served as the Kyoto residence for the Shogun, similar to a temporary palace. It is also a symbol of the power of the Edo Shogunate. 'Watching him build tall buildings, watching him entertain guests, watching his building collapse...' From the prosperity of the Tokugawa family to the Meiji Restoration's return of power to the Emperor, Nijo Castle has witnessed the rise and fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate. 📷 PS: I even think that taking kimono photos here is a niche but excellent choice! It's much more grandiose than the popular spots crowded with people! It has a very Yamato Nadeshiko vibe. 🕐️ Opening Hours: ☆ 8:45-17:00 (last entry at 16:00) ☆ Ninomaru Palace 9:00-16:00 ☆ Closed: December 26 - January 4, and every Tuesday in December, January, July, and August (if Tuesday is a holiday, it will be closed on Wednesday) 🏝️ Route Recommendations: 👀 What to See 🔹 Moat It has a bit of a mini Forbidden City feel, with some traces of historical fires. 🔹 Honmaru Palace & Ninomaru Palace ☆ The walls and sliding doors inside the palace are painted with famous works by Kano school painters! The Japanese-style screen paintings are very gorgeous! Walking through the long corridors feels like being in a historical drama. ☆ Tang Dynasty atmosphere ☆ You can see the rooms where the Shogun met with envoys and subordinates and lived. ☆ The nightingale floor, which makes chirping sounds when walked on to prevent assassins (some say it's due to old age and disrepair). 🔹 Gardens of the Two Palaces Meticulously designed in the Japanese Shoin style. 🔹 Ruins of the Tenshu You can overlook the scenery of Nijo Castle. 💗 Other Tips: 1⃣️ You need to take off your shoes inside the palace, and photography is prohibited, so there are no photos. 2⃣️ Honmaru is currently under renovation. When we visited, it was also inaccessible due to typhoon damage. However, it's just a small palace, and the rest is still worth seeing. 🌸 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot: You can see the 'King of Cherry Blossoms', the Yaezakura. 🌙 During the cherry blossom season, there are night openings from late March to April. The entire Nijo Castle is illuminated with a dazzling light show. ⏰ Recommended time: 1-3 hours 📢 Audio Guide: Chinese audio guides are available for rent at the entrance. 💰 Tickets: 800 yen + Ninomaru 1300 yen (available online and on-site) 📌 Transportation 🚇 Subway Take the Tozai Line to 'Nijojo-mae' Station 🚌 Bus ☆ From JR Kyoto Station, take City Bus No. 9, 50, or 101 to 'Nijojo-mae' Station ☆ From Hankyu Karasuma Station, take City Bus No. 12 or 101 to 'Nijojo-mae' Station