Nijo Castle is a flatland castle in Kyoto. It was built as the residence of the first hereditary military dictator, Tokugawa Ieyasu, in 1603.

After the shogunate fell in 1867, the castle was used as an imperial palace for a short period, and was then donated to the city and opened to the public as a historic site.

It was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994.

Visitors to Nijo Castle enter the castle grounds through a large gate in the east. English audio guides are available for rent at a kiosk just inside the gate.

Venturing further into the castle will bring you to the Chinese-style Karamon Gate, the entrance to the Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), where the castle's main attraction, the Ninomaru Palace is located.

The Ninomaru Palace served as the residence and office of the shogun during his visits to Kyoto.

The Honmaru (main circle of defense) was the site of a second palace complex and a five story castle keep. However, both structures were destroyed by fires in the 18th century and were never rebuilt.

Entry: 800 yen per person; plus an additional 500 yen to enter the Ninomaru Palace.