Nijo Castle, a popular destination for 1.85 million visitors annually, is a significant historical landmark in Kyoto. Covering approximately 275,000 square meters with an outer perimeter of approximately 2 kilometers, it was originally constructed in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate, as a place to meet the emperor in Kyoto.
The castle is famous for its historical significance, including the 1867 event when the 15th shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, declared the “Taisei Hokan” (Restoration of power to the Emperor) in the Ninomaru Palace, a moment often taught in Japanese history classes. Today, visitors can still admire the splendor of structures such as the Ninomaru Palace, Ninomaru Garden, and the iconic Karamon gate, all of which have stood for over 400 years. In 1994, Nijo Castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, further solidifying its importance as a historical treasure.
Exploring the expansive grounds of Nijo Castle can take around an hour at a brisk pace, or up to two hours if you wish to take your time and fully appreciate the surroundings. For those visiting during the hot summer months, the nighttime illuminations are highly recommended. Every year, a renowned designer transforms the castle with artistic lighting, creating a chic and cool atmosphere. In 2024, the event titled “Summer Festival” was produced by the creative company NAKED, INC., featuring projection-mapped fireworks, the gentle sounds of wind chimes, and a Milky Way-inspired light show, along with digital art from festival stalls adorning the castle.
Nijo Castle’s nighttime illuminations take place across all seasons, with unique themes and events changing throughout the year. Although the specific details vary by year, the following events were part of the 2023-2024 schedule:
- NAKED FLOWERS 2023 Autumn: October 27, 2023 – December 3, 2023
- NAKED Sakura Festival 2024: March 8, 2024 – April 7, 2024
- NAKED Summer Festival 2024: July 26, 2024 – August 25, 2024
Nijo Castle is located just an 8-minute bike ride from the hotel, making it a convenient and exciting evening outing.