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Yes — the Nio Gate sits right on the walking path, so you pass through it as part of the visit. You can’t climb up into the gate itself or step behind the lattice, but the wooden Kongō Rikishi guardian statues inside are visible through it. Please don’t touch the lattice or reach in toward the statues, to help keep both the gate and the statues intact.

The ridge beam of the Nio Gate carries an inscription dating its construction to 1571 (Genki 2), while the Kongō Rikishi guardian statues inside are inscribed with an even earlier date, 1467 (Ōnin 1) — meaning the statues actually predate the gate that now houses them. Both the gate and the statues are separately designated National Important Cultural Properties. Local tradition holds that Nobunaga had the gate relocated here from Kōka, and together with the statues it’s one of the clearest physical links to the history of the former Sōken-ji Temple.

The Buddha’s Footprint Stone is located near the Ninomaru (second bailey). This page’s “Buddha’s Footprint Stone” section (photos 6 and 7) includes two 360° panoramas — a close-up of the carved footprints and a wider view from a short distance away. The stone, carved with an impression of the Buddha’s footprints, was found near the Ninomaru and is thought to have been used as building material in a stone wall when the castle was constructed.

Copyright for the 360° images belongs to the photographer. Please do not reproduce or reuse them without permission.