Step back into the era of the Shoguns with a dedicated private guide who brings the Nightingale Floors and secret chambers to life.
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See all the important sights of Kyoto in one day, from the Shogun's residence to the Geisha street.
All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
Nijo Castle is not just a fortress; it is a symbol of the power and prestige of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Unlike the austere military castles found elsewhere in Japan, Nijo is a lavish palace designed to impress and intimidate. A private guide is essential to truly appreciate the intricate details hidden within these walls—from the famous 'Nightingale Floors' that chirp to warn of intruders, to the subtle political messages concealed in the Kano school wall paintings. With a personal expert, you’ll navigate the complex history of the Samurai era, explore the stunning Ninomaru Garden without getting lost in the crowds, and gain access to historical context that guidebooks simply cannot provide.
We partner with top-rated local agencies like Viator to ensure your guide is licensed and professional
Stop for photos, ask unlimited questions, and move at your own rhythm without waiting for a large group
Expert guides know exactly when to visit specific rooms to avoid the worst of the peak-hour congestion
Decipher the hidden meanings in the sliding door paintings and architecture that most tourists miss
Choose a start time that fits your itinerary, whether you're an early riser or prefer an afternoon stroll
Secure your spot instantly with mobile tickets and 24/7 customer support
Spring (Cherry Blossoms)|Autumn (Foliage)|Winter (Fewer Crowds)
Slip-on shoes for easy removal|Clean, warm socks (floors are cold)|Layers for changing temperatures
Built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu. It served as the Kyoto residence of the Shogun and is where the last Shogun returned power to the Emperor.
Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Check specific tour details at checkout.
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Real experiences from real travelers
Our guide, Ken, was absolutely fantastic. He explained the political significance of the room layout in Ninomaru Palace which we never would have understood on our own. The Nightingale floors were a highlight!
We debated doing a self-guided tour vs private, and I'm so glad we chose the private option. The history of the Shoguns is complex, and having a guide to answer our questions made the experience immersive. The tea ceremony add-on was lovely.
The castle is beautiful and the guide was very knowledgeable. My only complaint is that it was quite cold inside the palace in January, so bring thick socks! Otherwise, a perfect half-day trip.
This was the best tour we took in Japan. The guide navigated us through the crowds effortlessly and showed us hidden angles for photos in the gardens. Highly recommended for history buffs.
Booked the private car option. Driver was punctual and the guide met us at the gate. The architecture is stunning. Walking on the squeaky floors was such a unique experience.
I booked this for my visiting colleagues. The English guide was fluent and very polite. They really enjoyed the combination of the castle and the nearby Nishiki Market food tour.
If you like architecture, this is for you. The guide pointed out details in the transoms and sliding doors that were fascinating. The booking process was smooth and reliable.
Nijo Castle is massive, and without a guide, it's just a lot of empty rooms. With a guide, the palace comes alive with stories of samurai and emperors. Don't skip this!
Everything you need to know for your journey
The 'Nightingale Floors' (Uguisu-bari) were designed to squeak when walked upon to warn the Shogun's guards of potential intruders or assassins. The clamps under the flooring rub against nails to create the chirping sound.
No, photography and video recording are strictly prohibited inside the Ninomaru Palace to protect the paintings and ensure smooth visitor flow. Photography is allowed in the gardens and exterior areas.
Yes, you must remove your shoes before entering the Ninomaru Palace. There are shelves to store them, or you may be given a plastic bag to carry them. We recommend wearing clean, warm socks.
The gardens are accessible via gravel paths (which can be difficult for manual wheelchairs). For the palace, you must transfer to a specialized castle wheelchair provided at the entrance, as personal wheelchairs are not allowed on the historic floors.
Ninomaru Palace is the main attraction, the residence of the Shogun, featuring the Nightingale floors and lavish gold decor. Honmaru Palace is the inner circle of defense; its interior is generally closed to the public except for special openings, though you can walk through its gardens.
A typical guided tour lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours. If you explore the extensive gardens thoroughly, plan for 2.5 to 3 hours.
There is no strict dress code, but respectful attire is appreciated. Most importantly, wear socks without holes as you will be taking your shoes off in public.
Large luggage is not allowed inside the palace buildings. There are coin lockers at the entrance and a luggage storage counter at the rest area.
The tour runs rain or shine. The palace tour is indoors, so you will be dry, but bring an umbrella for walking between the gate and the palace through the gardens.
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