Nijo Castle Today › Hours
Nijo Castle opening hours and closed days
Nijo Castle is open 8:45 to 17:00 every day except December 29–31, with last entry at 16:00. Ninomaru Palace and Honmaru Palace have their own closed days.
Today in Kyoto
- CastleOpen 8:45–17:00Last entry 16:00. Closed only December 29–31.
- Ninomaru PalaceEntry 8:45–16:10Closed on Tuesdays in January, July, August and December, December 26–28 and January 1–3.
- Honmaru PalaceReservation requiredEntry 9:30–16:00. Closed on the third Monday of each month and the day after, December 26–28 and January 1–3.
Worked out from the official closed-day rules, in Japan time.
Opening hours
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| Castle gate | 8:45 – 17:00 (last entry 16:00) |
| Ninomaru Palace | Entry 8:45 – 16:10 |
| Honmaru Palace | Entry 9:30 – 16:00, reservation only |
Closed days
The castle closes only three days a year: December 29, 30 and 31.
Ninomaru Palace — the one with the nightingale floors — closes on:
- Every Tuesday in January, July, August and December. If that Tuesday is a public holiday, it opens and closes the next day instead.
- December 26–28 and January 1–3.
Honmaru Palace closes on:
- The third Monday of each month and the day after. If either is a public holiday, it stays open.
- December 26–28 and January 1–3.
Closed-day calendar
This month and next, in Japan time. Dates in red are Japanese public holidays.
- Castle closed
- Ninomaru Palace closed
- Honmaru Palace closed
The calendar needs JavaScript. The rules above cover every closed day.
The mistake to avoid
The castle can be open while Ninomaru Palace is closed. On those days you can still walk the grounds and gardens, but you'll miss the main building. If you're visiting in January, July, August or December, don't plan Nijo Castle for a Tuesday.
How long do you need?
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours. Arrive by 15:00 if you want to see Ninomaru Palace without rushing.
When is it least crowded?
- The quietest times are right after the gate opens at 8:45, and after 15:00.
- It's busiest from 11:00 to 13:00. On Saturdays it stays that busy until about 15:00.
- Sunday is the quietest day of the week. Friday and Saturday are the busiest.
For a quiet visit, come at 8:45. If you come after 15:00, go to Ninomaru Palace first: last entry is 16:10. Today's crowd level
Based on Google Maps popular times for Nijo Castle, checked . Busy seasons such as cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are busier at every hour.
Common questions
Is Nijo Castle open today?
Nijo Castle is open every day except December 29, 30 and 31, from 8:45 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:00. The two palaces inside have their own closed days, so the castle can be open while a palace is closed.
What time does Nijo Castle close?
The gate closes at 17:00. Last entry to the castle is 16:00, and last entry to Ninomaru Palace is 16:10.
When is Ninomaru Palace closed?
Ninomaru Palace is closed every Tuesday in January, July, August and December, and on December 26-28 and January 1-3. If that Tuesday is a public holiday, it opens and closes the next day instead.
When is Honmaru Palace closed?
Honmaru Palace is closed on the third Monday of each month and the day after, and on December 26-28 and January 1-3. If either day is a public holiday, it stays open.
How long do you need at Nijo Castle?
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours. Arrive by 15:00 if you want to see Ninomaru Palace without rushing.
Last checked:
Last checked: . Source: Nijo-jo Castle official guide and admission fees (Kyoto City Nijo-jo Castle Office). Published by Bag2Gate.