Kyoto · NIJO CASTLE TOURS

The 8 Best Nijo Castle Tours in Kyoto

8 tours  ·  from $16

The floors squeak on purpose and the painted rooms are where the shogunate ended. These 8 cover the guided walks through Ninomaru Palace and the gardens outside, with entry prices and how they pair with the rest of the centre.

Kyoto: Nijo-jo Castle and Ninomaru Palace Guided Tour - Entering through the East Main Gate
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Kyoto: Nijo-jo Castle and Ninomaru Palace Guided Tour

1.Nijo-jo Castle and Ninomaru Palace Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,020 reviews · 1 hour · from $16Our pick

Spend one hour touring Nijo Castle, Karamon Gate, Ninomaru Palace, and Ninomaru Garden with an English-speaking guide. Guides such as Ai, Miki, Kaoru, and Don explain shogun life, political power, palace artwork, and rooms normally closed to the public. Admission is paid separately in cash.

“This tour was the most interesting of all the things we did in Japan. Our tour guide was wonderful!”

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Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari Guided Tour - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before the crowds
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Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari Guided Tour

2.Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 700 reviews · 11 hours · from $54

Travel by coach from Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande to five Kyoto icons. You’ll get early access to Arashiyama, free time at Fushimi Inari, and bilingual English-Spanish guidance from tour leaders such as Cesar, Angeles, or Paula. Choose the ticket option to include Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, and Kiyomizu-dera.

“This tour was an easy way for us to see some of the most recommended sights in Kyoto and did not disappoint. Angeles was a great guide and provided alot of information on each place.”

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Kyoto: Nijo, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before the crowds
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Kyoto: Nijo, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari

3.Nijo, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 699 reviews · from $51Top rated

This 10-hour-45-minute bus tour links Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari. An English and Spanish guide, such as Paula, Cesar, or Angeles, leads the day. Choose a basic package or add temple tickets and lunch.

“The tour was great as we got to visit and stroll around some of the most famous landmarks in this ancient city. This is a great value for someone who wants to get a glimpse of the amazing history and monuments and who is not staying long in the city. The guide and driver were very friendly and I felt I learned some interesting history along the way.”

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Kyoto: Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour - Inside Nijo Castle’s Ninomaru Palace
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Kyoto: Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour

4.Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 453 reviews · 3 hours · from $49

Spend three hours touring Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace with an English, French, or Spanish-speaking guide. Expect Ninomaru Palace, its gardens and paintings, plus the Imperial Palace grounds. Guides such as Jasmine, Raphael, Vincent, and Taku add history, cultural context, and local tips.

“Impeccable tour that allows you to see two of Kyotos important scenes in one go. Even still it is not rushed, you have ample time to enjoy both sites! Jasmin is a very knowledgeable and attentive tour guide, she’s also fluent in English and very welcoming! One of my favourite tours here in Kyoto 👍”

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Kyoto: Nijo Castle World Heritage Guided Tour with Admission - The castle grounds and first impressions
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Kyoto: Nijo Castle World Heritage Guided Tour with Admission

5.Nijo Castle World Heritage Guided Tour with Admission

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 128 reviews · from $39

Meet your guide at Nijojo-mae Station for a 90-minute small-group tour of UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle. Admission is included, and guides such as Nao, Naoya, Alex, and Benjamin bring the Tokugawa shoguns, palace rooms, gates, and gardens to life.

“Excellent tour with Naoya. We learned a lot and it was much better than touring the castle alone. Naoya was very friendly and answered all our questions. His English was very good and easy to understand. Highly recommend this tour and specifically this guide.”

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Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hours - The transfer between Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace
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Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour – 3 Hours

6.Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour – 3 Hours

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 106 reviews · from $55

Walk through Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace in three hours with an English-speaking guide. Guides such as Jasmine, Taku, and Atsushi are praised for clear history, cultural detail, and family-friendly pacing. Entry is included, but you must arrange transport between the two sites.

“Educational, perfect length of time, gorgeous walking tour, super sweet guide Jasmine Lau. Very enjoyable!”

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Kyoto: Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace Guided Tour - Starting at Kyoto Imperial Palace
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Kyoto: Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace Guided Tour

7.Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 98 reviews · 3 hours · from $63

Join a small group of up to nine for a three-hour walking tour of Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle. Guides such as Goku, Kayo, Nene, and Taku explain architecture, politics, and Japanese culture, with time for gardens, castle rooms, photos, and local advice.

“Goku is a phantastic, interested and very knowledgable guide who was fun to take the tour with.”

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Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace Visit with Guide - Starting at Nijo Castle’s white gate
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Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace Visit with Guide

8.Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace Visit with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · from $79

Spend 2.5 hours at Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace with an English-speaking guide such as Mia, Mie, or Choko. Learn how shoguns and emperors shaped Japan, see Nijo Castle’s remarkable interiors, and ride public transport between sites. Morning and afternoon departures are available.

“Uncomparable experience! Excellent tour guide Mia! Admire of her deep professional knowledge! Highly-highly-highly recommend this tour!!!”

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