Ninomaru-goten Palace — Attraction in Kyoto

Nijō Castle in Kyoto is a magnificent historical site that left me thoroughly impressed. Here's why it deserves a perfect rating:

Rich History Nijō Castle is steeped in rich history, having served as the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns during the Edo period. Exploring the castle grounds and its well-preserved buildings offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's feudal past.

Stunning Architecture The architecture of Nijō Castle is simply breathtaking. From the intricately decorated gatehouses to the elegant tatami rooms adorned with beautiful paintings, every corner of the castle exudes a sense of grandeur and sophistication.

Beautiful Gardens Surrounding the castle buildings are expansive gardens that are meticulously landscaped and meticulously maintained. Strolling through these tranquil gardens, complete with ponds, bridges, and teahouses, is a serene and rejuvenating experience.

Cultural Significance As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nijō Castle holds significant cultural importance. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the castle's historical significance and its role in shaping Japan's feudal history through informative exhibits and guided tours.

Accessibility Located in the heart of Kyoto, Nijō Castle is easily accessible for visitors. Whether you're traveling by train, bus, or on foot, the castle's central location makes it a convenient destination for exploring Kyoto's rich cultural heritage.

Overall Impression In summary, Nijō Castle is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese history, architecture, and culture. With its rich history, stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, cultural significance, and accessibility, Nijō Castle offers a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe. Highly...

Historical Value: ★★★★★ Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603, Nijo Castle is a major historical landmark in Japan. It also played a key role in the return of power to the Emperor. If you're into history, this place is a must-see.

Architecture & Preservation: ★★★★☆ The Ninomaru Palace is in great shape, with beautiful wall paintings and cool features like the “nightingale floors” that chirp when you walk on them. Some areas are closed off to protect them, which is understandable but a bit of a bummer.

Garden Views: ★★★★★ The gardens are absolutely stunning. They're designed in a traditional stroll style, with ponds, rocks, and pine trees that look different depending on the season. The cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves are especially gorgeous.

Guides & Facilities: ★★★☆☆ There are English and Japanese guides, but if you don’t read up beforehand, you might miss some of the deeper meaning behind what you’re seeing. The rest areas and shops are decent but nothing special.

Accessibility: ★★★★☆ Super easy to get to — just a few minutes' walk from the subway in central Kyoto. It can get crowded during busy seasons though, so going early is a good idea.

Overall: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5) Nijo Castle is a great mix of history and beauty. The gardens are a real highlight. Definitely worth a visit if you love Japanese culture or just want to enjoy a peaceful, scenic spot...

The entrance fee is 1300 yen for general admission. When we went there, only the Nijo Castle Ninomaru Goten (Second Palace) was open. Despite that, it was worth visiting. You are not allowed to take pictures indoors, so just take it in as much as you can. The structure of the palace was amazing and you get to see how each room looks like. There are different paintings on the wall and it pairs with the function of each room. There are sliding doors in the corridor and you can picture how much brighter the hallway would be when the doors are opened. Look up the ceiling and you can also see different patterns of paintings. Just for this palace, it was worth entering.

There wasn't really a wait when we were there around 11 on Saturday, but when we got out around 2pm there was...